He that loves a rosy cheek,
Or a coral lip admires,
Or from star-like eyes doth seek
Fuel to maintain his fires:
As old Time makes these decay,
So his flames must waste away.
But a smooth and steadfast mind,
Gentle thoughts, and calm desires,
Hearts with equal love combined,
Kindle never-dying fires:
Where these are not, I despise
Lovely cheeks or lips or eyes.
More verses by Thomas Carew
- The Unfading Beauty
- To a Lady That Desired I Would Love Her
- Song: Eternity Of Love Protested
- To A. L. Persuasions To Love.
- Song: Mediocrity In Love Rejected