Classic Poem

" A RE women fair? " Ay! wondrous fair to see too.
" Are women sweet? " Yea, passing sweet they be too;
Most fair and sweet to them that only love them;
Chaste and discreet to all save those that prove them.

" Are women wise? " Not wise, but they be witty.
" Are women witty? " Yea, the more the pity;
They are so witty, and in wit so wily,
That be you ne'er so wise, they will beguile ye.

" Are women fools? " Not fools, but fondlings many.
" Can women found be faithful unto any? "
When snow-white swans do turn to color sable,
Then women fond will be both firm and stable.

" Are women saints? " No saints, nor yet no devils.
" Are women good? " Not good, but needful evils;
So Angel-like, that devils I do not doubt them;
So needful evils, that few can live without them.

" Are women proud? " Ay! passing proud, and praise them.
" Are women kind? " Ay! wondrous kind and please them,
Or so imperious, no man can endure them,
Or so kind-hearted, any may procure them.