Classic Poem

O master of the Rhodian art,
Come paint for me with skilful care
The portrait of my absent fair,
Who reigns the empress of my heart.
To thee each charm I will declare:
First paint me then her flowing hair

Both soft and black; and if the wax
Be able let it breathe perfume;
With gleaming tints its waves illume.
See no detail the picture lacks
That I may tell thee; paint below
Her tresses her smooth-as-ivory brow.

Nor wholly separate or join
Her silken eyebrows dark as night,
But prithee make them glossy-bright
And arched like Love's bow; and her eyne —
Let them have spirit, brightness, fire,
And be lit like Venus' with desire.

Let them be, too, like Pallas' blue,
But wantoner and tenderer far
Than those of that grave goddess are;
And let her soul their depths shine through.
To paint her soft cheeks and straight nose
Together mingle milk and rose.

Paint pouting for a lover's kiss
Her lips with coral fire aglow,
Wherefrom clear silver speech doth flow
As eloquent as Peitho's is.
Let many pleasing graces deck
Her delicate chin, and ivory neck.

As for the rest, her body drape
In a translucent violet dress
Which may to tranced eyes express
The glowing beauties of her shape.
Enough, enough, 'tis what I seek,
It is my love — she soon will speak.