XXV.
WHite was the orient pearl which, on a day, That hand me gave: which scorns the proud compare Of purest white; and bears the palm away As of all pearly Fairs, the orient'st fair. And whilst She offered unto me the same, I knew not which the Pearl was, of the twain. So white the hand was of my peerless Pearl As it did dazzle with delight mine eyes, And pearl seemed to me, giving me the pearl; Which made me, sighing, say in whisp'ring wise, "Ah, why once may I not so happy be, This Pearl to have; which th' other gives to me?"
XXVI.
WHen you appear, appears the Break of Day; And shews to be most fair and passing bright: But if you keep yourself unseen away, The Day shows not; but keepeth out of sight. Then if again you 'gin yourself to show; Behold the Day to shew itself afresh With sky most clear. So both of you do grow In beauty like: in heat nor are you less. Thus if your beams you ope, or hidden been: The Break of Day appears; else ne'er is seen.