Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/136

 ANONYMOUS.

BEAUTY'S fort.

[MS.in possession of J. P. COLLIER, Esq., F.S.A.]

When raging Love, with fierce assault, Strikes at fair Beauty's gate; What army hath she to resist And keep her court and state?

She calleth first on Chastity To lend her help in time; And Prudence no less summons she, To meet her foe so brim.

And female Courage she alway Doth bring unto the wall; To blow the trump in her dismay, Fearing her fort may fall.

On force of words she much relies, Her foe without to keep; And parleyeth with her two bright eyes, When they her dyke would leap.

Yet natheless the more she strives, The less she keeps him out; For she hath traitors in her camp, That keep her still in doubt.