Art above Nature

To Julia

WHEN I behold a Forrest spread

With silken trees upon thy head;

And when I see that other Dresse

Of flowers set in comlinesse:

When I behold another grace

In the ascent of curious Lace,

Which like a Pinacle doth shew

The top, and the top-gallant too.

Then, when I see thy Tresses bound

Into an Ovall, square, or round;

And knit in knots far more than I

Can tell by tongue; or true-love tie:

Next, when those Lawnie Filmes I see

Play with a wild civility:

And all those airie silks to flow,

Alluring me, and tempting so:

I must confesse, mine eye and heart

Dotes less on Nature, than on Art.