 | Ballads in Imitation of the Antient |  |
13
Addressed to Queen Elizabeth.
In imitation of SPENSER
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There shines at eve beneath heav'n's hallowness
A gentle star ycleped Chastity
Whose maiden light shows forth such comliness
As doth outvie all other gems we see.
From East where gold-ey'd Phœbus doth arise
And eke from West where sinks the car of light,
This lovely gem doth greet men's wond'ring eyes
No distance can controul its lustre bright,
All nations are astonish'd with the dazzling sight.
A gentle star ycleped Chastity
Whose maiden light shows forth such comliness
As doth outvie all other gems we see.
From East where gold-ey'd Phœbus doth arise
And eke from West where sinks the car of light,
This lovely gem doth greet men's wond'ring eyes
No distance can controul its lustre bright,
All nations are astonish'd with the dazzling sight.
But chiefly on our coast it doth appear,
We most do feel its kindly influence;
Above all lands it doth our island rear
Giving our rulers wisdom and prudence.
By this it is we peace and wealth enjoy,
By this in wars we gain the victory;
By this from traitors we dread no annoy,
By this protected is our liberty,
By this is crush'd the threat'ning viper perfidy.
We most do feel its kindly influence;
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Giving our rulers wisdom and prudence.
By this it is we peace and wealth enjoy,
By this in wars we gain the victory;
By this from traitors we dread no annoy,
By this protected is our liberty,
By this is crush'd the threat'ning viper perfidy.
Though heav'nly, yet this gem I will compare
Unto a lovely maiden of this earth;
What boots it that I praise heav'n's star so fair,
I can but paint the things of mortal birth.
Then, reader, do not check your courser's fire,
But let your winged fancy take its flight;
For me I know the maid that doth inspire
Mine heart with gladness and with true delight,
On earth she hath no peer to charm a mortal's sight.
Unto a lovely maiden of this earth;
What boots it that I praise heav'n's star so fair,
I can but paint the things of mortal birth.
Then, reader, do not check your courser's fire,
But let your winged fancy take its flight;
For me I know the maid that doth inspire
Mine heart with gladness and with true delight,
On earth she hath no peer to charm a mortal's sight.
17
Her hair I liken to morn's saffron flush,
Her skin is iv'ry or the marble sleek;
Blue is her eyne as heav'n. The rose's blush
Doth sweetly wanton on her glossy cheek.
Her form is like the willow's waving spray,
And with a Venus' grace she moves along;
Ne'er wanton is she, yet for ever gay,
Lo, such my maiden is—and such her song,
'Twould, like a second Orpheus, lure the savage throng.
Her skin is iv'ry or the marble sleek;
Blue is her eyne as heav'n. The rose's blush
Doth sweetly wanton on her glossy cheek.
Her form is like the willow's waving spray,
And with a Venus' grace she moves along;
Ne'er wanton is she, yet for ever gay,
Lo, such my maiden is—and such her song,
'Twould, like a second Orpheus, lure the savage throng.
Such is the Lady, such the fairy queen
Whose lustre like this evening star doth shene.
Whose lustre like this evening star doth shene.
| Ballads in Imitation of the Antient | |