The Third and Last Book of Songs or Airs.
Farewell, too fair! too chaste! but too too cruel!
Discretion never quenchèd fire with swords!
Why hast thou made my heart, thine anger's fuel;
And now would kill my Passions with thy words?
This is Proud Beauty's true anatomy.
If that secure, severe in secrecy, farewell.
Farewell too dear! and too too much desired!
Unless compassion dwelt more near thy heart.
Love by neglect (though constant) oft is tired!
And forc'd from bliss, unwillingly to part.
This is Proud Beauty's true anatomy.
If that secure, severe in secrecy, farewell.
Time stands still, with gazing on her face!
Stand still, and gaze! for minutes, hours, and years, to her give place.
All other things shall change! but She remains the same,
Till heavens changèd have their course, and Time hath lost
his name.
Cupid doth hover up and down, blinded with her fair eyes!
And Fortune captive at her feet, contemned and conquered lies!
When Fortune, Love, and Time attend on
Her with my fortunes, love, and time, I honour will alone,
If bloodless Envy say, "Duty hath no desert!"
Duty replies, that "Envy knows, herself, his faithful heart!"
My settled vows and spotless faith, no fortune can remove!
Courage shall shew my inward faith! and faith shall try my love!
