Kitap 3
With this the nymphs their beauteous forms array;
And some the saffron hue will well adorn;
Such is the mantle of the blushing morn.
230
Of myrtle-berries, one, the tincture shows,
In this, of amethysts, the purple glows,
And that more imitates the paler rose.
Nor Thracian cranes forget, whose silv'ry plumes
Give patterns which employ the mimic looms.
235
Nor almond nor the chesnut dye disclaim,
Nor others which from wax derive their name.
As fields you find, with various flowers o'erspread,
When vineyards bud, and winter's frost is fled;
So various are the colours you may try,
240
Of which the thirsty wool imbibes the dye.
Try ev'ry one; what best becomes you wear,
For no complexion all alike can bear.
If fair the skin, black may become it best,
In black the lovely fair Briseis dress'd;
245
If brown the nymph, let her be cloth'd in white,
Andromeda so charm'd the wond'ring sight.
