Let other servants boast a snowy glove, Or glory in their mistress' hair, Or think they straight immortal prove, If they once obtain to wear A ring enamelled, by her finger blest, Wherein the rainbow is expressed, In whose circle Cupid dwelling, Doth offer a sweet posy to their smelling. Not all the orient beauties that embrace Fair Venus' neck, nay, grant that she Deign to disfurnish her own face And bestow her mole on me, -- Not this, nor those are half so rich, so fair As these two silken ribbands are; Favours Juno might have given The Graces, on her wedding day in heaven. Mysterious colours, carrying more than show! For you express in your rich dye Rare virtues, which the owners owe, Constant love, and modesty: To which when I prove false, my blood be curst, To satisfy the injured first; Shame be next reward, and then I forfeit blush and scarlet back again. |