Of Beauty and Duty

WO ladies to the summit of my

Have clomb, to hold an argument of love.

The one has wisdom with her from above,

For every noblest virtue well designed:

The other, beauty's tempting power

And the high charm of perfect grace approve:

And I, as my sweet Master's will doth move,

At feet of both their favors am reclined.

Beauty and Duty in my soul keep strife,

At question if the heart such course can

And 'twixt the two ladies hold its love complete.

The fount of gentle speech yields answer meet,

That Beauty may be loved for gladness sake,

And Duty in the lofty ends of life