He that loves a rosy cheek,
...Or a coral lip admires,
Or from star-like eyes doth seek
...Fuel to maintain his fires:
As old Time makes these decay,
So his flames must waste away.
But a smooth and steadfast mind,
...Gentle thoughts and calm desires,
Hearts with equal love combined,
...Kindle never-dying fires.
Where these are not, I despise
Lovely cheeks or lips or eyes.
Thomas Carew (c.1595-1639)
...Or a coral lip admires,
Or from star-like eyes doth seek
...Fuel to maintain his fires:
As old Time makes these decay,
So his flames must waste away.
But a smooth and steadfast mind,
...Gentle thoughts and calm desires,
Hearts with equal love combined,
...Kindle never-dying fires.
Where these are not, I despise
Lovely cheeks or lips or eyes.
Thomas Carew (c.1595-1639)
