With how sad steps, o moon, thou climb'st the skies; how silently, and with how wan a face

With how sad steps, o moon, thou climb'st the skies; how silently, and with how wan a face

The opening lines of Sir Philip Sidney's sonnet, "With how sad steps, o moon, thou climb'st the skies; how silently, and with how wan a face," immediately set a melancholic tone that is characteristic of the Elizabethan poet's work. Sidney was a prominent figure in the English Renaissance, known for his contributions to literature, poetry, and courtly culture. His sonnets, in particular, are revered for their emotional depth and introspective nature.