Page:Lives of Poets-Laureate.djvu/41

Rh To see her tread the ground With heels short and round. She is plainly express Egeria the goddess. There is no beast savage, Nor no tiger so wood, But she would change his mood,— Such relucent grace Is formed in her face; For this most goodly flower, This blossom of fresh colour, She flourisheth new and new In beauty and virtue.

So goodly as she dresses, So properly she presses The bright golden tresses Of her hair so fine, Like Phœbus' beams shine. It is for to suppose How that she can wear Gorgeously her gear, Her fresh habiliments With other implements To serve for all intents, Like Dame Flora, queen Of lusty summer green. For this most goodly flower, This blossom of fresh colour, So Jupiter me succour, She flourisheth new and new In beauty and virtue.

My pen it is unable, My hand it is unstable, My reason rude and dull To praise her at the full; Goodly Mistress Jane, Sober, demure Diane; Jane, this mistress hight, The load-star of delight, Dame Venus of all pleasure, The well of worldly treasure;