III. If whilom, in times past, that Spartan Lass

Robert Tofte (1561–1620)

IF whilom, in times past, that Spartan Lass

(“The Flower of Greece,” Dan PARIS’s costly joy)

Through her fair feature, the only causer was,

So many Knights were slain at Siege of Troy:

Thou, LAURA, art unlike unto her far!

In this our Age, a much more blessed star.

For she brought Wars, Strife, Death, and Cruelty;

Where thou, alone, bring’st Peace and Pleasure still.

Ah, happy thrice, that ligs in love with thee!

And if, by chance, un’wares, thou sometimes kill:

Thou, with thy smile, the wound canst heal again;

And give him life, whom thou before hadst slain.

Pisa.