Lope de Vega (1562–1635)

Translated by Henry Richard, Lord Holland

NOT winter crystal ever was more clear

That checks the current of the mountain stream;

Not high wrought ebony can blacker seem,

Nor bluer doth the flax its blossom rear;

Not yellower doth the eastern gold appear;

Nor purer can arise the scented steam

Of amber, which luxurious men esteem;

Nor brighter scarlet doth the sea-shell bear;

Than in the forehead, eye-brows, eyes, and hair,

The breath, and lips, of my most beauteous queen,

Are seen to dwell on earth, in face divine:—

And since like all together is my Fair,

Lifeless elsewhere, alive in her are seen

Ice, Ebony, Flax, Gold, Amber, and Carmine.