| Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900. |
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| Mark Akenside. 1721–1770 |
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| 461. Amoret |
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| IF rightly tuneful bards decide, | |
| If it be fix'd in Love's decrees, | |
| That Beauty ought not to be tried | |
| But by its native power to please, | |
| Then tell me, youths and lovers, tell— | 5 |
| What fair can Amoret excel? | |
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| Behold that bright unsullied smile, | |
| And wisdom speaking in her mien: | |
| Yet—she so artless all the while, | |
| So little studious to be seen— | 10 |
| We naught but instant gladness know, | |
| Nor think to whom the gift we owe. | |
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| But neither music, nor the powers | |
| Of youth and mirth and frolic cheer, | |
| Add half the sunshine to the hours, | 15 |
| Or make life's prospect half so clear, | |
| As memory brings it to the eye | |
| From scenes where Amoret was by. | |
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| This, sure, is Beauty's happiest part; | |
| This gives the most unbounded sway; | 20 |
| This shall enchant the subject heart | |
| When rose and lily fade away; | |
| And she be still, in spite of Time, | |
| Sweet Amoret in all her prime. | |
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