Astrophel

Astrophel By Edmund Spenser

Astrophel, the shepherd's son,

Whose love for Stella had begun.

His heart was pure, his love was true,

Yet fate denied him what he knew.

This poem briefly summarizes the story of Astrophel and Stella, one of Spenser's most famous sonnet sequences. The first two lines introduce the main character, Astrophel, who is described as a shepherd's son. The next line establishes that Astrophel is in love with a woman named Stella, which is the central theme of the sonnet sequence.

The poem's final two lines express the tragedy of Astrophel's situation, indicating that despite his pure heart and true love, fate has denied him the fulfillment of that love. This statement suggests that the story of Astrophel and Stella is a tale of unrequited love, where the main character is unable to attain the object of his affection due to external circumstances.

Overall, the poem briefly introduces the story of Astrophel and Stella, setting the stage for the themes and events that will unfold in the sonnet sequence.