A portrayal of Beauty
Declare at full the countenances,
Their joyous sports and graceful dances.
Perceived I that the God of Love
One noble lady sought above1010
All others gathered there; she hight
Dame Beauty, as that arrow bright
Which bore her name was she, and dowed
With gentle grace, which freely showed
In all her movements. As the moon
Makes candles of the stars, her noon
Paled all her fellows: as the dew
Her flesh was tender, and ne’er new
And blushing bride more simple seemed;
Where’er her skin peeped forth it gleamed1020
As white as fleur-de-lis; her brow
Was clear and fair as virgin snow,
The while her form was tall and slight.
No need had she her face to dight
With paint or other vain disguise.
As women somewhiles use; despise
And scorn might she such false allure,
In natures decking bright and pure.
So plenteous grew her golden hair,
That near her heels it reached I swear.1030
Her nose, her mouth, her beaming eyes.
Were such that when their beauties rise
(God help me) in my thought they seem
To wake once more that glorious dream.
Forsooth, so sweet she was and fair,
With perfect rounded limbs, that ne’er
Throughout the world’s broad space, I ween,
Aught could surpass her matchless sheen.
