Page:The New Life (Rossetti 1899) Siddal ed.djvu/121

&#160;&#160;&#160;The New Life (Rossetti 1899) Aldus recto.png This sonnet is so easy to understand, from what is afore narrated, that it needs no division; and therefore, leaving it, I say also that this excellent lady came into such favour with all men, that not only she herself was honoured and commended, but through her companionship, honour and commendation came unto others. Wherefore I, perceiving this, and wishing that it should also be made manifest to those that beheld it not, wrote the sonnet here following; wherein is signified the power which her virtue had upon other ladies:—

certain he hath seen all perfectness

Who among other ladies hath seen mine:

They that go with her humbly should combine

To thank their God for such peculiar grace.

So perfect is the beauty of her face

That it begets in no wise any sign

Of envy, but draws round her a clear line