230. The True Beauty. Thomas Carew. 1909-14. English Poetry I: From Chaucer to Gray. The Harvard Classics

English Poetry I: From Chaucer to Gray.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

230. The True Beauty

Thomas Carew (1595(?)–1639(?))


HE that loves a rosy cheek
Or a coral lip admires,
Or from star-like eyes doth seek
Fuel to maintain his fires;
As old Time makes these decay,	5
So his flames must waste away.

But a smooth and steadfast mind,
Gentle thoughts, and calm desires,
Hearts with equal love combined,
Kindle never-dying fires:—	10
Where these are not, I despise
Lovely cheeks or lips or eyes.