Hee, that loves a rosie cheeke,
Or a corall lip admires,
Or from star-like eyes doth seeke
Fuell to maintaine his fires,
As old time makes these decay,
So his flames must waste away.
But a smooth and steadfast mind,
Gentle thoughts and calme desires,
Hearts with equal love combin'd,
Kindle never-dying fires.
Where these are not, I despise
Lovely cheekes, or lips, or eyes.
***
Unfading Beauty
written byThomas Carew
© Thomas Carew