The True Beauty

"The True Beauty" 

Thomas Carew (1595-1640) 

He that loves a rosy cheek 

Or a coral lip admires, 

Or from starlike eyes doth seek 

Fuel to maintain his fires; 

As old Time makes these decay, 

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: — 

Where these are not, I despise 

Lovely cheeks or lips or eyes. 

IMAGE: Felix Fossey, Allegory of Truth and Beauty (1852)