Poems written by the Right Honorable William earl of Pembroke, lord steward of his Majesties houshold. Whereof many of which are answered by way of repartee, by Sr Benjamin Ruddier, knight. With several distinct poems, written by them occasionally, and apart.

R, One that was a Suiter to a Gentlewoman more virtuous then fair, wrote these to a friend of his that dis∣liked her.

WHy slights thou her whom I approve, Thou art no Peer to try my Love, Nor canst discern where her form lies, Unless thou saw'st her with my eyes; Say she were foul, or blacker than The Night, or Sun-burnt Indian, Yet rated in my fancy, she Is so as she appears to me:

It is not Feature, nor a Face, That doth my free Election grace; Nor is my fancy onely led By a well temper'd white and red; Could I enamour'd be on those, The Lilly and the blushing Rose United in one stock, might be As dear unto my thoughts as she.

But I search farther, and do find A richer Treasure in her mind, Where something is so lasting fair, That Art nor Age cannot impair.

Hadst thou a Perspective so clear, That thou couldst view my object there; When thou her vertue shall espye, Then wonder and confess, that I Had cause to like her; & learn thence, To love by Judgement, not by sence.