William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. The Book of Elizabethan Verse. 1907.
Bright Star of BeautyMichael Drayton (15631631)
To the Lady L. S.
B
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.