1. FAirest thing that shines below, Why in this robe dost thou appear? Wouldst thou a white most perfect show, Thou must at all no garment wear: Thou wilt seem much whiter so, Than Winter when 'tis clad with Snow. 2. 'Tis not the Linnen shews so faire: Her skinne shines through, and makes it bright; So Clouds themselves like Suns appear, When the Sun pierces them with Light: So L does it selfe display, Like a starre plac'd i' th' Milky way. 4. Such robes the Saints departed wear, Woven all with Light divine; Such their exalted Bodies are, And with such full glory shine. But oh they 'tend not mortals' Pain; Men pray, I fear, to both in vaine. 5. Yet seeing thee so gently pure, My hopes will needs continue still; Thou wouldst not take this Garment sure, When thou hadst an Intent to kill. Of Peace and yeelding who would doubt, When the White Flag he sees hung out? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE OLD CLOCK ON THE STAIRS by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE TARRY BUCCANEER by JOHN MASEFIELD THE METEMPSYCHOSIS by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH AN OLD SAW NEWLY RENDERED by LEVI BISHOP THE LOVE SONNETS OF PROTEUS: 49. FAREWELL TO JULIET (11) by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT |