The Undertaking

I have done one braver thing

Then all the Worthies did,

And yet a braver thence doth spring,

Which is, to keepe that hid.

It were but madnes now t'impart　

The skill of specular stone,

When he which can have learn'd the art,

To cut it, can finde none.

So, if I now should utter this,

Others (because no more　

Such stuffe to worke upon, there is,)

Would love but as before.

But he who lovelinesse within

Hath found, all outward loathes,

For he who colour loves, and skinne,　

Loves but their oldest clothes.

If, as I have, you also doe

Vertue' attir'd in woman see,

And dare love that, and say so too,

And forget the Hee and Shee;　

And if this love, though placed so,

From prophane men you hide,

Which will no faith on this bestow,

Or, if they doe, deride:

Then you have done a braver thing　

Then all the Worthies did,

And a braver thence will spring,

Which is, to keepe that hid.