I I NE'ER yet saw a lovely creature (Were she a widow, maid, or wife) But straight within my breast her feature Was painted, strangely to the life: If out of sight (Though ne'er so bright) I straightways lost her picture quite. II It still was mine, and others' wonder To see me court so eagerly; Yet soon as absence did me sunder From those I lov'd, quite cur'd was I. The reason was That my breast has Instead of heart, a looking-glass. III And as those forms which lately shined I' th' glass, are easily defac'd; Those beauties so, which were enshrined Within my breast, are soon displac'd: Both seem as they Would ne'er away; Yet last, but whilst the lookers stay. IV Then let no woman think that ever In absence I shall constant prove; Till some occasion does us sever I can, as true as any, love: But when that we Once parted be, Troth, I shall court the next I see. |