To Cynthia, on Concealment of Her Beauty
DO not conceal those radiant eyes,The starlight of serenest skies;Lest, wanting of their heavenly light,They turn to chaos’ endless night!
Do not conceal those tresses fair,The silken snares of thy curled hairLest, finding neither gold nor ore,The curious silk-worm work no more.
Do not conceal those breasts of thine,More snow-white than the Apennine;Lest, if there be like cold and frost,The lily be for ever lost.
Do not conceal that fragrant scent,Thy breath, which to all flowers hath lentPerfumes; lest, it being supprest,No spices grow in all the rest.
Do not conceal thy heavenly voice,Which makes the hearts of gods rejoice;Lest, music hearing no such thing,The nightingale forget to sing.
Do not conceal, nor yet eclipse,Thy pearly teeth with coral lips;Lest that the seas cease to bring forthGems which from thee have all thy worth.
Do not conceal no beauty, grace,That’s either in thy mind or face;Lest virtue overcome by viceMake men believe no Paradise.
NATHANIEL FIELD 1587–1638