Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904.
Parthenophil and ParthenopheMadrigal 4. There, had my Zeuxis place and time, to draw
Barnabe Barnes (1569?1609)T
My Mistress’ portrait; which, on platane table,
(With Nature, matching colours), as he saw
Her leaning on her elbow; though not able,
He ’gan with vermil, gold, white, and sable
To shadow forth; and with a skilful knuckle
Lively set out my fortunes’ fable.
On lips, a rose; on hand, a honeysuckle.
For Nature framed that arbour, in such orders
That roses did with woodbines buckle;
Whose shadow trembling on her lovely face,
He left unshadowed. There Art lost his grace!
And that white lily leaf, with fringèd borders
Of angels’ gold, veiled the skies
Of mine heaven’s hierarchy, which closed her eyes.