English poem
Fair Samela
by Robert Greene (1558–1592)
Like to Diana in her summer weed, Girt with a crimson robe of brightest dye, Goes fair Samela;
Whiter than be the flocks that straggling feed, When wash'd by Arethusa's fount they lie, Is fair Samela;
As fair Aurora in her morning gray, Deck'd with the ruddy glister of her love, Is fair Samela;
Like lovely Thetis on a calmed day, Whenas her brightness Neptune's fancy move, Shines fair Samela;
Her tresses gold, her eyes like glassy streams, Her teeth are pearl, the breasts are ivory Of fair Samela;
Her cheeks, like rose and lily, yield forth gleams, Her brows, bright arches fram'd of ebony; Thus fair Samela
Passeth fair Venus in her bravest hue, And Juno in the show of majesty, (For she's Samela!)
Pallas in wit,—all three, if you well view, For beauty, wit, and matchless dignity Yield to Samela.