Religion

Emblem IV.21: Deformitie, within may bee

by George Wither 1588–1667

From A Collection of Emblemes (1635), Book IV

Religion

Deformitie, within may bee,
Where outward Beauties we doe see.

LOoke well, I pray, upon this Beldame, here,
For, in her habit, though shee gay appeare,
You, through her youthfull vizard, may espy
Shee's of an old Edition, by her Eye:
And, by her wainscot face, it may bee seene,
Shee might your Grandams first dry-nurse have been.
This is an Emblem, fitly shaddowing those,
Who making faire, and honest outward showes,
Are inwardly deform'd; and, nothing such,
As they to bee suppos'd, have strived much.
They chuse their words, and play well-acted parts,
But, hide most loathsome projects in their hearts;
And, when you think sweet Friendship to embrace,
Some ugly Treason, meets you in the face.
I ha a painted Brow; I much dislike
A Mayden-blush, dawb'd on a furrowed Cheeke:
And, I abhorre to see old Wantons play,
And, suite themselves, like Ladies of the May.
But, more (yea, most of all) my soule despiseth
A Heart, that in Religious formes, disguiseth
Prophane intentions; and arrayes in white,
The coale-blacke conscience of an Hypocrite.
Take heed of such as these; and, (if you may)
Before you trust them, tract them in their way.
Observe their footsteps, in their private path:
For, these (as 'tis beleev'd, the Devill hath)
Have cloven feet; that is, two wayes they goe;
One for their ends, and tother for a show.
Now, you thus warned are, advise embrace;
And, trust nor gawdy Clothes, nor painted Face.

MLA

Wither, George. “Emblem IV.21: Deformitie, within may bee.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/wither/356/.

Chicago

Wither, George. “Emblem IV.21: Deformitie, within may bee.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/wither/356/.

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