Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 edition. Excerpt: ...she knows it is an ill That doth ripest virtue kill, And, where'er it comes to rest, Though in some strict matron's breast, Be she ne'er so seeming just, I'll no shows of goodness trust. 3090 For, if you but gold can bring, Such are hired to any thing. If you think she jealous be, You are wide, for credit me, Her strong'st jealousies nought are Other than an honest care Of her friends; and most can tell Whoso wants that, loves not well. Though some little fear she shows, 'Tis no more than love allows: 3100 So the passion do not move her Till she grieve or wrong her lover. She may think he may do ill, Though she'll not believe he will: Nor can such a harmless thought Blemish true affection ought; Rather, whenas else it would Through security grow cold, This her passion, keeping measure, Strengthens love and sweetens pleasure. 3110 Cruelty her soul detests, For within her bosom rests Noblest pity, usher'd by An unequall'd courtesy, And is griev'd at good men's moan As the grief were all her own. Just she is; so just, that I Know she would not wrong a fly, Or oppress the meanest thing To be mistress to a king. 3120 If our painters would include Temperance and Fortitude In one picture, she would fit For the nonce to pattern it. Patient as the lamb is she, Harmless as the turtles be; Yea, so largely stor'd with all Which we mortals goodness call, That if ever virtue were, Or may be, incarnate here, 3130 This is she, whose praises I Offer to eternity. She's no image trimmed about, Fair within and foul without, But a gem that doth appear Like the diamond, everywhere Sparkling rays of beauty forth, All of such unblemish'd worth, That, were 't possible your eye Might her inmost thoughts espy, 3140 And behold the dimmest part Of the lustre in her...