James Shirley

Here you will find the Poem The Fair Felon of poet James Shirley

The Fair Felon

In Love's name you are charged hereby 
To make a speedy hue and cry, 
After a face, who t'other day, 
Came and stole my heart away; 
For your directions in brief 
These are best marks to know the thief: 
Her hair a net of beams would prove, 
Strong enough to capture Jove, 
Playing the eagle; her clear brow 
Is a comely field of snow. 
A sparkling eye, so pure a gray 
As when it shines it needs no day. 
Ivory dwelleth on her nose; 
Lilies, married to the rose, 
Have made her cheek the nuptial bed; 
Her lips betray their virgin red, 
As they only blushed for this, 
That they one another kiss. 
But observe, beside the rest, 
You shall know this felon best 
By her tongue; for if your ear 
Shall know this felon best 
By her tongue; for if your ear 
Shall once a heavenly music hear, 
Such as neither gods nor men 
But from that voice shall hear again, 
That, that is she, oh, take her t'ye, 
None can rock heaven asleep but she.