Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume VII. Descriptive: Narrative. 1904. | | | | Descriptive Poems: II. Nature and Art | | Freedom in Dress | | Ben Jonson (1572–1637) |
| | From “Epicœne; or, the Silent Woman,” Act I. Sc. 1. |
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STILL to be neat, still to be drest, | |
| As you were going to a feast; | |
| Still to be powdered, still perfumed,— | |
| Lady, it is to be presumed, | |
| Though art’s hid causes are not found, | 5 |
| All is not sweet, all is not sound. | |
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| Give me a look, give me a face, | |
| That makes simplicity a grace; | |
| Robes loosely flowing, hair as free,— | |
| Such sweet neglect more taketh me | 10 |
| Than all the adulteries of art: | |
| They strike mine eyes, but not my heart. | | | |
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