TELL me not of a face that's fair, Nor lip and cheek that's red, Nor of the tresses of her hair, Nor curls in order laid, Nor of a rare seraphic voice That like an angel sings; Though if I were to take my choice I would have all these things: But if that thou wilt have me love, And it must be a she, The only argument can move Is that she will love me. The glories of your ladies be But metaphors of things, And but resemble what we see Each common object brings. Roses out-red their lips and cheeks, Lilies their whiteness stain; What fool is he that shadows seeks And may the substance gain? Then if thou'lt have me love a lass, Let it be one that 's kind: Else I'm a servant to the glass That 's with Canary lined. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE PICTURE OF LITTLE T.C. IN A PROSPECT OF FLOWERS by ANDREW MARVELL MOLLY PITCHER [JUNE 28, 1778] by KATE BROWNLEE SHERWOOD THE QUEEN FORGETS by GEORGE STERLING THE PRINCESS: SONG by ALFRED TENNYSON THE WORLD; SONNET by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH TO THE DEAD FAVOURITE OF LIU CH'E by DJUNA BARNES RED COTTON NIGHT-CAP COUNTRY; OR, TURF AND TOWERS: PART 1 by ROBERT BROWNING |