The Poems of Edmund Waller | ||
50
OF THE MISREPORT OF HER BEING PAINTED.
As when a sort of wolves infest the nightWith their wild howlings at fair Cynthia's light,
The noise may chase sweet slumber from our eyes,
But never reach the mistress of the skies;
So with the news of Sacharissa's wrongs
Her vexed servants blame those envious tongues;
Call Love to witness that no painted fire
Can scorch men so, or kindle such desire;
While, unconcerned, she seems moved no more
With this new malice than our loves before;
But from the height of her great mind looks down
On both our passions without smile or frown.
So little care of what is done below
Hath the bright dame whom heaven affecteth so!
Paints her, 'tis true, with the same hand which spreads
Like glorious colours through the flowery meads,
When lavish Nature, with her best attire,
Clothes the gay spring, the season of desire;
Paints her, 'tis true, and does her cheek adorn
With the same art wherewith she paints the morn
With the same art wherewith she gildeth so
Those painted clouds which form Thaumantias' bow.
The Poems of Edmund Waller | ||