Faire Vanity's Conceits - III
Ceruse: Used copiously for over 200 years, this cosmetic was a mixture of powdered white lead and vinegar.
Thou fair -- indeed, more fair than ivory
In whiteness -- nay - more like the drifted snow --
With yet the rose's creamy hue to thee --
Guarded from sun, in candlelight aglow,
Bejewel'ed and bedeck'd. All hearts before
Thee fall in homage to thy beauty's grace.
Can'st fault thee then if to enhance the more
And to present the finer fashion's face,
Thou should'st with powered artifice display
Thy pride? From Venice comes finest ceruse.
'Tis dear, in sooth. To sumptuary pay
Adds greatly to the cost -- as to misuse.
And Bella Donna, eyes made bright by death,
Ingested in a mere cosmetic dose,
May dance with leaden eye and poisoned breath
The Danse Macabre -- by Vanity brought close
And held by fleshless ivory claw. Thy fate
Is sport to fashion's form Italianate.
In southern climes death oft wears beauty's guise:
A richly scented glove, white face, bright eyes.
Ceruse: Used copiously for over 200 years, this cosmetic was a mixture of powdered white lead and vinegar.
Thou fair -- indeed, more fair than ivory
In whiteness -- nay - more like the drifted snow --
With yet the rose's creamy hue to thee --
Guarded from sun, in candlelight aglow,
Bejewel'ed and bedeck'd. All hearts before
Thee fall in homage to thy beauty's grace.
Can'st fault thee then if to enhance the more
And to present the finer fashion's face,
Thou should'st with powered artifice display
Thy pride? From Venice comes finest ceruse.
'Tis dear, in sooth. To sumptuary pay
Adds greatly to the cost -- as to misuse.
And Bella Donna, eyes made bright by death,
Ingested in a mere cosmetic dose,
May dance with leaden eye and poisoned breath
The Danse Macabre -- by Vanity brought close
And held by fleshless ivory claw. Thy fate
Is sport to fashion's form Italianate.
In southern climes death oft wears beauty's guise:
A richly scented glove, white face, bright eyes.
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