Part 2 — TRUE BEAUTY
Reading edition
May I find a woman fair And her mind as clear as air! If her beauty go alone, 'Tis to me as if 'twere none.
May I find a woman rich, And not of too high a pitch! If that pride should cause disdain, Tell me, Lover, where's thy gain?
May I find a woman wise, And her falsehood not disguise! Hath she wit as she hath will, Double-armed she is to ill.
May I find a woman kind, And not wavering like the wind! How should I call that love mine When 'tis his, and his, and thine?
May I find a woman true! There is beauty's fairest hue: There is beauty, love, and wit. Happy he can compass it!
Francis Beaumont [1584-1616]