University of Virginia Library

Though in the waxe

That constancy of all vertues is most worthy.

Though in the waxe a perfect picture made,
Dothe shew as fayre as in the marble stone,
Yet do we see it is estemed of none,
Because that fire or force the forme dothe fade.
Wheras the marble holden is full dere,
Since that endures the date of lenger dayes.
Of Diamondes it is the greatest prayse,
So long to last and alwayes one tappere.
Then if we do esteme that thing for best,
Which in perfection lengest time dothe last:
And that most vayne that turnes with euery blast
What iewell then with tonge can be exprest.
Like to that hart where loue hath framed such fethe,
That can not fade but by the force of dethe.