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 EDWARD DE VERE, Earl of OXFORD.

What cunning can express?

[R.S., Phoenix Nest. 1593.           ] [J. BODENHAM, England's Helicon. 1600.]

What cunning can express The favour of her face? To whom, in this distress, I do appeal for grace. A thousand Cupids fly About her gentle eye.

From whence, each throws a dart That kindleth soft sweet fire Within my sighing heart, Possessed by desire. No sweeter life I try, Than in her love to die.

The lily in the field That glories in his white; For pureness now must yield And render up his right. Heaven pictured in her face, Doth promise joy and grace.