36246246Thus graceless holds he disputation

247247'Tween frozen conscience and hot-burning will,

248248And with good thoughts makes dispensation,

249249Urging the worser sense for vantage still,

250250Which in a moment doth confound and kill

251251All pure effects, and doth so far proceed

252252That what is vile shows like a virtuous deed.

37253253Quoth he, "She took me kindly by the hand

254254And gazed for tidings in my eager eyes,

255255Fearing some hard news from the warlike band

256256Where her belovèd Collatinus lies.

257257O, how her fear did make her color rise!

258258First red as roses that on lawn we lay,

259259Then white as lawn, the roses took away."

38260260"And how her hand, in my hand being locked,

261261Forced it to tremble with her loyal fear,

262262Which struck her sad, and then it faster rocked

263263Until her husband's welfare she did hear;

264264Whereat she smilèd with so sweet a cheer

265265That had Narcissus seen her as she stood

266266Self-love had never drowned him in the flood."

39267267"Why hunt I then for color or excuses?

268268All orators are dumb when beauty pleadeth;

269269Poor wretches have remorse in poor abuses;

270270Love thrives not in the heart that shadows dreadeth.

271271Affection is my captain, and he leadeth;

272272And when his gaudy banner is displayed,

273273The coward fights and will not be dismayed."

40274274"Then, childish fear, avaunt; debating die.

275275Respect and reason wait on wrinkled age.

276276My heart shall never countermand mine eye.

277277Sad pause and deep regard beseems the sage.

278278My part is youth and beats these from the stage.

279279Desire my pilot is, beauty my prize.

280280Then who fears sinking where such treasure lies?"