Epicoene, or the Silent Woman: Still to be neat, still to be drest by Ben Jonson
Analysis
This is only a small portion of the overall play titled, "The Epicene" or "Epicoene, or The silenet women". The entire play is a Renaissance comedy originally performed by the Blackfriars Children in 1609. Actually, Jonson thought the play was a failure, but after 51 years, it was revived and saw great success. Of course, since it is well known 400-plus years after it was originally made, I think it's safe to assume it is one of the best plays ever written. Anyway, this is written in iambic pentameter couplet rhymes.
Poem
Epicoene, or the Silent Woman: Still to be neat, still to be drest Still to be neat, still to be drest, As you were going to a feast; Still to be powder'd, still perfumed: Lady, it is to be presumed, Though art's hid causes are not found, All is not sweet, all is not sound. Give me a look, give me a face That makes simplicity a grace; Robes loosely flowing, hair as free: Such sweet neglect more taketh me Than all th' adulteries of art; They strike mine eyes, but not my heart. Published in 1609.
Next: Epitaph on Elizabeth, L. H.