Here is a brief synopsis of the “plot” behind 10 consecutive sonnets in Astrophel & Stella;
In sonnet 69 Stella has made some conditional statement of love to Astrophel; in sonnet 70, he hopes for a more positive outcome to his trial, and as the sonnet closes asks for silence instead of more writing (note the teasing “this / bliss” final rhyme pair); in sonnet 71 Astrophel proclaims the union of virtue and beauty in Stella, yet is nagged by desire; in sonnet 72 desire must give way to virtue, but how can it?; the second song follows and it is in this song that we read a narrative of Astrophel kissing Stella in her sleep; in sonnet 73, Astrophel makes his excuses to Stella for that kiss, but is even more turned on by her anger; in sonnet 74, the effects of the kiss are likened to the famous inspiration of poets, Aganippe’s well; in sonnet 75 Astrophel steps back and admires all that Edward IV chanced for love; in sonnets 76 and 77 Astrophel’s verse swells into robust and happy hexameters; sonnet 78: jealousy.