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On Concealment of Her Beauty
DO not conceal thy radiant eyes, | |
| The star-light of serenest skies, | |
| Lest wanting of their heavenly light, | |
| They turn to chaos’ endless night. | |
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| Do not conceal those tresses fair, | 5 |
| The silken snares of thy curl’d hair, | |
| Lest finding neither gold, nor ore, | |
| The curious silkworm work no more. | |
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| Do not conceal those breasts of thine, | |
| More snow-white, than the Apennine, | 10 |
| Lest if there be like cold or frost, | |
| The lily be forever lost. | |
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| Do not conceal that fragrant scent, | |
| Thy breath, which to all flowers hath lent | |
| Perfumes, lest it being supprest, | 15 |
| No spices grow in all the East. | |
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| Do not conceal thy heavenly voice, | |
| Which makes the hearts of gods rejoice, | |
| Lest Music hearing no such thing, | |
| The Nightingale forget to sing. | 20 |
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| Do not conceal, nor yet eclipse | |
| Thy pearly teeth with coral lips, | |
| Lest that the seas cease to bring forth | |
| Gems, which from thee have all their worth. | |
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| Do not conceal no beauty-grace, | 25 |
| That’s either in thy mind or face, | |
| Lest virtue overcome by vice, | |
| Make men believe no Paradise. | |
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