His Mistress
I HAVE a mistress, for perfections rareIn every eye, but in my thoughts most fair.Like tapers on the altar shine her eyes;Her breath is the perfume of sacrifice;And wheresoe’er my fancy would begin,Still her perfection lets religion in.We sit and talk, and kiss away the hoursAs chastely as the morning dews kiss flowers.I touch her, like my beads, with devout care,And come unto my courtship as my prayer.
CHARLES BEST 17TH CENTURY