Poem by Alexander Brome

The Resolve

TELL me not of a face that 's fair,
   Nor lip and cheek that 's red,
Nor of the tresses of her hair,
   Nor curls in order laid,
Nor of a rare seraphic voice
   That like an angel sings;
Though if I were to take my choice
   I would have all these things:
But if that thou wilt have me love,
   And it must be a she,
The only argument can move
   Is that she will love me.

The glories of your ladies be
   But metaphors of things,
And but resemble what we see
   Each common object brings.
Roses out-red their lips and cheeks,
   Lilies their whiteness stain;
What fool is he that shadows seeks
   And may the substance gain?
Then if thou'lt have me love a lass,
   Let it be one that 's kind:
Else I'm a servant to the glass
   That 's with Canary lined. 

1. To his Mistress (LAdy you'l wonder when you see)
2. The Damosel
3. Plain Dealing
4. The Wary Woer
5. On the Queens Arrival

Walter Scott The Resolve ("My wayward fate I needs must plain") 1808

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