Henry Howard. "If he that erst the form so lively drew."

HENRY HOWARD, EARL OF SURREY

TO HIS MISTRESS.¹

IF he that erst the form so lively drew
Of Venus' face, triumph'd in painter's art ;
Thy Father then what glory did ensue,
By whose pencil a Goddess made thou art.
Touched with flame that figure made some rue,
And with her love surprised many a heart.
There lack'd yet that should cure their hot desire :
Thou canst inflame and quench the kindled dire.

¹ Printed for the first time by Dr. Nott,
from a MS. in the possession of Mr. Hill.

Source:
Surrey, Henry Howard, Earl of.
The Poetical Works of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey.
Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1854. 32.

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