Man was made when Nature was but an apprentice, but woman when she was a skilful mistress of her art.—Cupid’s Whirligig (1607).


A book, upon whose leaves some chosen plants

By his own hand disposed with nicest care,

In undecaying beauty were preserved;—

Mute register, to him, of time and place

And various fluctuations in the breast;

To her a monument of faithful love

Conquered, and in tranquillity retained.

Wordsworth: Excursion.