To whom I am a neighbour and near bred.

[004] Bring me the fairest creature northward born,

005 Where Phœbus’ fire scarce thaws the icicles,

And let us make incision for your love,

To prove whose blood is reddest, his or mine.

I tell thee, lady, this aspect of mine

Hath fear’d the valiant: by my love, I swear

010 The best-regarded virgins of our clime

[011] Have loved it too: I would not change this hue,

Except to steal your thoughts, my gentle queen.