University of Virginia Library


120

THE PICTURE OF VIRTUE

Imitated from the Latin of Théodore de Beza

What form art thou in rags?
Child of the most pure skies.
Why is thy robe so vile?
Vain riches I despise.
And why this double face?
To note ill fate and good.
What doth this bridle teach?
That rage must be subdued.
This mattock in thy hand?
Labour is dear to me.
And wings to win the stars?
And higher, if higher may be.
These bands across thy breast?
That in the grave I lie.
These feet that tread down Death?
I, only, cannot die.