| William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. The Book of Restoration Verse. 1910. | | | | On a Fair Beggar | | By Philip Ayres (1638–1712) |
| | | BAREFOOT and ragged, with neglected hair, | |
| She whom the Heavens at once made poor and fair, | |
| With humble voice and moving words did stay, | |
| To beg an alms of all who passed that way. | |
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| But thousands viewing her became her prize, | 5 |
| Willingly yielding to her conquering eyes, | |
| And caught by her bright hairs, whilst careless she | |
| Makes them pay homage to her poverty. | |
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| So mean a boon, said I, what can extort | |
| From that fair mouth, where wanton Love to sport | 10 |
| Amidst the pearls and rubies we behold? | |
| Nature on thee has all her treasures spread, | |
| Do but incline thy rich and precious head, | |
| And those fair locks shall pour down showers of gold. | | | | |
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