Yet this I say, that blacke the better is,
In birds, beasts, frute, stones, flowres, herbs, mettals, fish.
And last of all, in blacke there doth appeare
Such qualities, as not in yuorie;
Black cannot blush for shame, looke pale for fear,
Scorning to weare another liuorie.
Blacke is the badge of sober Modestie,
The wonted weare of ancient Grauetie.
The learned Sisters sute themselues in blacke,
Learning abandons white, and lighter hues: