XXV. White was the orient pearl which, on a day

Robert Tofte (1561–1620)

WHITE was the orient pearl which, on a day,

That hand me gave: which scorns the proud compare

Of purest white; and bears the palm away

As of all pearly Fairs, the orient’st fair.

And whilst She offered unto me the same,

I knew not which the Pearl was, of the twain.

So white the hand was of my peerless Pearl

As it did dazzle with delight mine eyes,

And pearl seemèd to me, giving me the pearl;

Which made me, sighing, say in whisp’ring wise,

“Ah, why once may I not so happy be,

This Pearl to have; which th’ other gives to me?”