CVII
Reading edition
NOT clothed in transient beauty nor pale health, Like the night-blooming flower, that displays Its fullest glory when the violet rays Of sunlight vanish, and, as if by stealth, The sable realm of night, the commonwealth Of all deceiving things, appears and stays, Till day doth swift disperse its tricks and plays: Not such art thou, endowed with nature’s wealth. But on thy cheek the peach-blush of the sun Blends with the russet touch of summer’s hand; And in thine eye, fresh youth, that fades not soon, Lives in perpetual triumph, that is won From country joys, waving their magic wand Beneath the sunlit skies or silvery moon.