Clarastella | ||
To one that hearing I had some faculty in Poesie, simply requested me to write somewhat on his dear wife lately dead.
Had I so wel but known thy Ligbie, asSire Adam once his Eve did know
Then I might say thy wife a good one was:
But I ne'r saw, nor knew her so.
5
Most say she lookt, and painted wel!
Should I her unknown secret parts admire,
Or hidden qualities forthtel?
Troth I ne'r heard one good she had, for what,
Thou falsely thoughtst one, loving thee;
Now's out of fashion, and esteem'd a fault.
Then in her praise, I'l silent be;
Since Silence best suits me as each of them:
For Womens pride affecteth such
Grosse flatt'ry, that who undertakes the theam;
Speaks both too little, and too much.
Clarastella | ||