Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Pamphilia to Amphilanthus: Lady Mary Wroth, Sonnet I, 1621
Lady Wroth was educated by her uncle, Philip sidney.
It was extremely unusual for a woman to be
highly educated, able to read and write. In fact, it
is likely that Lady Wroth was the most educated woman
in England at this time. Thus Lady Wroth could be
thought of as a "bas bleu" (a bluestocking:
intellectual woman), an early feminist.
Pamphilia to Amphilanthus: Lady Mary Wroth, Sonnet
quatrains are of the form AABB.
Pamphilia to Amphilanthus: Lady Mary Wroth, Sonnet I, 1621
WHen night's blacke Mantle could most darknesse proue,
And sleepe (deaths Image) did my senses hyre,
From Knowledge of my selfe, then thoughts did moue
Swifter then those, most [swiftnesse] neede require.
In sleepe, a Chariot drawne by wing'd Desire,
I saw; where sate bright Venus Queene of Loue,
And at her feete her Sonne, still adding Fire
To burning hearts, which she did hold aboue,
But one heart flaming more then all the rest,
The Goddesse held, and put it to my breast,
Deare Sonne now [shoot], said she: thus must we winne;
He her obey'd, and martyr'd my poore heart.
I waking hop'd as dreames it would depart,
Yet since, O me, a Lover I haue beene.
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