Classic Poem

The pearles of praise that decke a noble dame,
Exceede the price of any juellers showe,
Yea, beauties gifts are but a glosse of fame,
In vertues soyle these precious juels growe,
And that the dame, whome I do here commend,
Hath store of both my able proofe attend.

A passing wit is lodged in her head,
The which is deckt with haires of golden hewe,
Her modest eyes are sild with gases lead,
And yet they staine bright diamonds in viewe;
Her words of worth doth win her toung such praise,
As when she speakes the wisest silent stayes.

Besides her shape, which sightly is in showe,
Her mynd is with these noble gifts possest,
Her bountie doth beyond her beautie goe,
A care she hath to ease the thrall distrest:
Thus is she deckt, and this is she, I say,
That weares and beares these pearles of praise away.