Of all strong Beasts, the Lion bears the Bell:
Of all sweet Flowers, the Rose doth sweetest smell;
Of all fair Maids, my Rosalind is fairest.
Of all pure Metals, Gold is only purest;
Of all high Trees, the Pine hath highest Crest;
Of all soft Sweets, I like my Mistress best:
Of all chaste Thoughts my Mistress Thoughts are rarest.
Of all proud Birds, the Eagle pleaseth Jove,
Of pretty Fowls, kind Venus likes the Dove:
Of Trees, Minerva doth the Olive love,