John Donne (1572–1631)

I HAVE done one braver thing

Than all the Worthies did;

And yet a braver thence doth spring,

Which is, to keep that hid.

It were but madness now to impart

The skill of specular stone,

When he, which can have learned the art

To cut it, can find none.

So, if I now should utter this,

Others (because no more

Such stuff to work upon there is)

Would love but as before.

But he, who loveliness within

Hath found, all outward loathes;

For he who color loves and skin,

Loves but their oldest clothes.

If, as I have, you also do

Virtue in women see,

And dare love that, and say so too,

And forget the he and she;

And if this love, though placèd so,

From profane men you hide,

Who will no faith on this bestow,

Or, if they do, deride:

Then you have done a braver thing

Than all the Worthies did,

And a braver thence will spring,

Which is, to keep that hid.