111From the besièged Ardea all in post,
22Borne by the trustless wings of false desire,
33Lust-breathèd Tarquin leaves the Roman host
44And to Collatium bears the lightless fire,
55Which, in pale embers hid, lurks to aspire
66And girdle with embracing flames the waist
77Of Collatine's fair love, Lucrece, the chaste.
288Haply that name of "chaste" unhapp'ly set
99This bateless edge on his keen appetite,
1010When Collatine unwisely did not let
1111To praise the clear unmatchèd red and white,
1212Which triumphed in that sky of his delight,
1313Where mortal stars, as bright as heaven's beauties,
1414With pure aspects did him peculiar duties.
31515For he the night before, in Tarquin's tent,
1616Unlocked the treasure of his happy state:
1717What priceless wealth the heavens had him lent
1818In the possession of his beauteous mate,
1919Reck'ning his fortune at such high proud rate
2020That kings might be espousèd to more fame,
2121But king nor peer to such a peerless dame.
42222O happiness enjoyed but of a few,
2323And, if possessed, as soon decayed and done
2424As is the morning silver melting dew
2525Against the golden splendor of the sun;
2626An expired date, canceled ere well begun.
2727Honor and beauty in the owner's arms
2828Are weakly fortressed from a world of harms.
52929Beauty itself doth of itself persuade
3030The eyes of men without an orator.
3131What needeth then apology be made
3232To set forth that which is so singular?
3333Or why is Collatine the publisher
3434Of that rich jewel he should keep unknown
3535From thievish ears, because it is his own?