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The Works of Mr Abraham Cowley

Consisting of Those which were formerly Printed: And Those which he Design'd for the Press, Now Published out of the Authors Original Copies ... The Text Edited by A. R. Waller
Cowley, Abraham (1618-1667)

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Miscellanies.
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THE MISTRESS:
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Pindarique ODES,
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Verses written on several occasions.

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ODE III. To his Mistris.

1

Tyrian dye why doe you weare
You whose cheekes best scarlet are?
Why doe you fondly pin
Pure linnens ore your skin,
Your skin that's whiter farre,
Casting a duskie cloud before a Starre?
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2

Why beares your necke a golden chayne?
Did Nature make your haire in vaine,
Of Gold most pure and fine?
With gemmes why doe you shine?
They, neighbours to your eyes,
Shew but like Phosphor, when the Sunne doth rise.

3

I would have all my Mistris parts,
Owe more to Nature then to Arts,
I would not woe the dresse,
Or one whose nights give lesse
Contentment, then the day.
Shee's faire, whose beauty onely makes her gay.

4

For 'tis not buildings make a Court
Or pompe, but 'tis the Kings resort:
If Jupiter downe powre
Himselfe, and in a showre
Hide such bright Majestie
Lesse then a golden one it cannot be.
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