527. UPON HIS GREY HAIRS.
Fly me not, though I be grey:
Lady, this I know you'll say;
Better look the roses red
When with white commingled.
Black your hairs are, mine are white;
This begets the more delight,
When things meet most opposite:
As in pictures we descry
Venus standing Vulcan by.
528. ACCUSATION.
If accusation only can draw blood,
None shall be guiltless, be he ne'er so good.
529. PRIDE ALLOWABLE IN POETS.
As thou deserv'st, be proud; then gladly let
The Muse give thee the Delphic coronet.
530. A VOW TO MINERVA.
Goddess, I begin an art;
Come thou in, with thy best part
For to make the texture lie
Each way smooth and civilly;
And a broad-fac'd owl shall be
Offer'd up with vows to thee.
Civilly, orderly.
Owl, the bird sacred to Athene or Minerva.