In highest way of heav'n the Sun did ride, <br />Progressing then from fair twins' golden place: <br />Having no scarf of clouds before his face, <br />But shining forth of heat in his chief pride; <br /> <br />When some fair ladies by hard promise tied, <br />On horseback met him in his furious race, <br />Yet each prepar'd with fan's well-shading grace <br />From that foe's wounds their tender skins to hide. <br /> <br />Stella alone with face unarmed march'd. <br />Either to do like him which open shone, <br />Or careless of the wealth because her own: <br /> <br />Yet were the hid and meaner beauties parch'd, <br />Her daintiest bare went free; the cause was this, <br />The Sun, which others burn'd, did her but kiss.<br /><br />Sir Philip Sidney<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-xxii-in-highest-way-of-heav-n/
