University of Virginia Library


149

[Let not old age disgrace my high desire]

[Zelmane.]
Let not old age disgrace my high desire,
O heavenly soule, in humaine shape conteind:
Old wood inflam'de, doth yeeld the bravest fire,
When yonger dooth in smoke his vertue spend.
Ne let white haires, which on my face doo grow,
Seeme to your eyes of a disgracefull hewe:
Since whitenesse doth present the sweetest show,
Which makes all eyes doo honour unto you.
Old age is wise and full of constant truth;
Old age well stayed from raunging humor lives:
Old age hath knowne what ever was in youth:
Old age orecome, the greater honour gives.
And to old age since you your selfe aspire,
Let not old age disgrace my high desire.