University of Virginia Library

The Looking-Glass to Gellia.

For Interest Men know how to please,
And praise even your Deformities:
Wither'd and Old you shall be Young,
And purchase Beauty from their Tongue.
Not your own Art their Wit shall want,
They'l doe in Words, what you in Paint
If You do laugh, why? I laugh too;
If You do weep, to weep I know:
Yet think not, 'tis for flattery meant;
I what You are do represent.
When You was Young, I show'd You so,
And alter, now You alter, too:
Yet thô I thus Extreams do try,
The Change in You not Me doth lie.
When You with Paint bedaub your Face;
And call back long-lost Youthfull Grace:
When You new Sets of Teeth prepare;
And deck your Head with others Hair:
When You your hated Breath perfume,
And line your Mouth, that stinks of Rheume:
'Tis not my fault, that You look Fair;
I truly show the Cheats, You wear.
With Shows You first the World deceive,
I back to You the Poison give.
Yet, faithless Gellia, know among
The Arts you have to make You Young,
Death can't be chouc'd with borrow'd Grace,
Nor will mistake your Painted Face.
Not all your Instruments of Pride
Your Age's Date from him can hide.
Death knows his Time, will surely come,
And lay You old and ugly in your Tomb.