See! what a clouded majesty, and eyes <br />Whose glory through their mist doth brighter rise! <br /> See! what an humble bravery doth shine, <br />And griefe triumphant breaking through each line, <br />How it commands the face! so sweet a scorne <br />Never did HAPPY MISERY adorne! <br />So sacred a contempt, that others show <br />To this, (oth' height of all the wheele) below, <br />That mightiest monarchs by this shaded booke <br />May coppy out their proudest, richest looke. <br /> <br /> Whilst the true eaglet this quick luster spies, <br />And by his SUN'S enlightens his owne eyes; <br />He cures his cares, his burthen feeles, then streight <br />Joyes that so lightly he can beare such weight; <br />Whilst either eithers passion doth borrow, <br />And both doe grieve the same victorious sorrow. <br /> <br /> These, my best LILLY, with so bold a spirit <br />And soft a grace, as if thou didst inherit <br />For that time all their greatnesse, and didst draw <br />With those brave eyes your royal sitters saw. <br /> <br /> Not as of old, when a rough hand did speake <br />A strong aspect, and a faire face, a weake; <br />When only a black beard cried villaine, and <br />By hieroglyphicks we could understand; <br />When chrystall typified in a white spot, <br />And the bright ruby was but one red blot; <br />Thou dost the things Orientally the same <br />Not only paintst its colour, but its flame: <br />Thou sorrow canst designe without a teare, <br />And with the man his very hope or feare; <br />So that th' amazed world shall henceforth finde <br />None but my LILLY ever drew a MINDE.<br /><br />Richard Lovelace<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-my-worthy-friend-mr-peter-lilly-on-that-excel-2/
