But she that you woo, must have life and be young
And speak, ere you love her, and speak your own tongue.
Truth only is lasting, and only the face
Transfigured by it has a lasting grace.
And truth is in nature, nor dealt second-hand
Through art, though most artful to fill the demand.
So think of the present, its deeds and its dreams,
As Raphael thought, but not Raphael’s themes;
Nor be a Venetian to picture like Titian
A woman to worship or goddess to kiss.