You are using an outdated browser. For a faster, safer browsing experience, upgrade for free today.
Francis Beaumont
1584—1616

True beauty

May I find a woman fair,
And her mind as clear as air,
If her beauty go alone,
‘Tis to me as if’t were none.
May I find a woman rich,
And not of too high a pitch;
If that pride should cause disdain,
Tell me, lover, where’s thy gain?
May I find a woman wise,
And her falsehood not disguise;
Hath she wit as she hath will,
Double arm’d she is to ill.
May I find a woman kind,
And not wavering like the wind:
How should I call that love mine,
When ’tis his, and his, and thine?
May I find a woman true,
There is Bettutv’s fairest hue,
There is Beauty, Love, and Wit:
Happy he can compass it.