The First Decade. Sonnet X. Heralds at arms do three perfections quote

Henry Constable (1562–1613)

HERALDS at arms do three perfections quote,

To wit, most fair, most rich, most glittering;

So, when those three concur within one thing,

Needs must that thing, of honour, be a note.

Lately, I did behold a rich fair coat,

Which wishèd Fortune to mine eyes did bring.

A Lordly coat, yet worthy of a King,

In which one might all these perfections note.

A field of lilies, roses “proper” bare;

Two stars “in chief”; the “crest” was waves of gold.

How glittering ’twas, might by the stars appear;

The lilies made it fair for to behold.

And RICH it was, as by the gold appeareth:

But happy he that in his arms it weareth!