Oxford Book of English Verse, Part 2 by  Arthur Quiller-Couch

Beauty Clear and Fair

Beauty clear and fair,

Where the air

Rather like a perfume dwells;

Where the violet and the rose

Their blue veins and blush disclose,

And come to honour nothing else:


Where to live near

And planted there

Is to live, and still live new;

Where to gain a favour is

More than light, perpetual bliss—

Make me live by serving you!


Dear, again back recall

To this light,

A stranger to himself and all!

Both the wonder and the story

Shall be yours, and eke the glory;

I am your servant, and your thrall.

— John Fletcher


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