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Home  »  The Book of Elizabethan Verse  »  Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. The Book of Elizabethan Verse. 1907.

Bright Star of Beauty

Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

To the Lady L. S.

BRIGHT star of beauty, on whose eye-lids sit

A thousand nymph-like and enamoured graces,

The goddesses of memory and wit,

Which in due order take their several places;

In whose dear bosom, sweet, delicious Love

Lays down his quiver, that he once did bear;

Since he that blessed paradise did prove,

Forsook his mother’s lap to sport him there.

Let others strive to entertain with words,

My soul is of another temper made;

I hold it vile that vulgar wit affords,

Devouring time my faith shall not invade:

Still let my praise be honoured thus by you,

Be you most worthy, whilst I be most true.