13. Loves best object.
1
Some say, that they
Will onely love where beauty lies:
But sure such lovers lose their way,
And Cupid blinds their slippery eyes;
Such gilded love
Unfixt will prove,
And various as the weather.
For look when beauty doth decay,
Then it and love will die together.
2
Some say, that they
To wealthy girles will onely share
Their hungry soules, but these (I say)
Deceitfull sons of Venus are:
For the intent
Of him that's bent
Unto such base affection,
Is rather riches to enjoy
Then vertuous parts, or good complection.
3
Some say, that they
Will onely turn their wandring eyes,
And stragling spirits to obey
The Nymphs of Pallas, grave and wise.
Such love as this
Most noble is,
And highly to be prised.
But make not wit your only prey,
If you by me will be advised.
4
Some say that they
At Vertues center only shoot:
And such as these might find the way
To happiness, if they would do't.
But yet (alas)
Aside they pass,
And misapply their prizes;
For those that vertues be (they say)
By trial prove but rotten vices.
5
But now, I vow
I'le tell you how it's best to love.
Love verrue, wealth, wit, beauty too;
And this will not unhappy prove.
How bright and clear
Shall she appear,
To a judicious lover,
Who in his apprehensions may,
These (clearly) all in one discover?
