In Praise of True Beauty
Ginevra de' Benci-Leonardo da Vinci
O, she doth teach the torches to turn bright!
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
As a rich jewel in Ethiop's ear-
So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,
As yonder lady o'er her fellow shows.
The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand.
And touching hers, make blessed my rude hand.
Did my heart love till now? Forswear it sight!
For Ine'er saw true beauty till this night.
Romeo and Juliet Act I, Scene IV
William Shakespeare