‘Tis not how witty nor how free,
Nor yet how beautiful she be,
But how much kind and true to me.
Freedom and wit none can confine
And beauty like the sun doth shine,
But kind and true are only mine.
Let others with attention sit
To listen, and admire her wit,
That is a rock where I’ll not split.
Let others dote upon her eyes
And burn their hearts for sacrifice,
Beauty’s a calm where danger lies.
But kind and true have been long tried
A harbour where we may confide,
And safely there at anchor ride.
From change of winds there we are free
And need not fear storms’ tyranny,
Nor pirate though a prince he be.
~ Aurelian Townshend