Ode IV: Grey Hairs

WHither fliest thou, O my Dear,
And leav'st a melting Lover here,
Dying, sinking in Despair?
Is my Reverend Hoary Grey,
Such a Bug-bear in your way?
What makes you look so ghast, and stare
As if you're frightned at my Hair?
Because your self's so wondrous fair?
Because your Cheeks, so lovely red,
Can make Aurora hide her head,
And blushing run agen to bed?
Make baffled Venus lose her Trade,
The emulous Roses blast and fade?
Scarlet and Crimson lose their die,
Beauty it self asham'd to vie?
Do not scornfully despise
Me, the Victim of your eyes;
But accept my bleeding Heart,
Weak in Nature, strong in Art.
Then all objections justly mute
Will prove, our different colours suit.
For you must own, to do me right,
I'm ne'er the worse for being white.
Such a lustre Lillies cast;
Wanton Roses, Lillies chast.
But when they both together meet,
The Rivals breathe a fragrant sweet,
And make a Garland look compleat.