Page 2275 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

LUCRECE IT

From the besieged Ardea all in post,
Borne by the trustless wings of false desire,
Lust-breathed Tarquin leaves the Roman host
And to Collatium bears the lightless fire,

Which in pale embers hid, lurks to aspire, [5]
And girdle with embracing flames the waist
Of Collatine’s fair love, Lucrece the chaste.

Haply that name of «chaste» unhapp’ly set
This bateless edge on his keen appetite,

When Collatine unwisely did not let [10]
To praise the clear unmatched red and white
Which triumph’d in that sky of his delight;
Where mortal stars as bright as heaven’s beauties,

With pure aspects did him peculiar duties.

For he the night before, in Tarquin’s tent [15]
Unlock’d the treasure of his happy state:
What priceless wealth the heavens had him lent,
In the possession of his beauteous mate;

Reck’ning his fortune at such high proud rate
That kings might be espoused to more fame, [20]
But king nor peer to such a peerless dame.

O happiness enjoy’d but of a few,
And if possess’d, as soon decay’d and done

As is the morning’s silver melting dew
Against the golden splendour of the sun! [25]
An expir’d date cancell’d ere well begun!

Honour and beauty in the owner’s arms,