While the manuscript is not dated, its condition suggestes that it was
written near the time the painting was completed.
Textual History: Composition
Textual History: Revision
Production History
Reception History
Iconographic
Printing History
Pictorial
Historical
Literary
Translation
Autobiographical
Bibliographic
O lovely hand, that thy sweet self dost laveIn that thy pure & proper elementWhence erst the Lady of Love's high adventWas born, and endless fires sprang from the wave;—Even as to her Loves to her their offerings gave,For thee the jewelled gifts they bear, whileand eachThe hands and lips, the lips and eyes, outreachLooks to those lips, of music-measured speechDesire with more of bliss than man may crave.The fount, & of more bliss than man may crave;In royal wise, ring-girt & bracelet-spann'd,A flower of Venus' own virginity,Go shine among thy sisterly sweet band;In maiden-minded converse delicatelyEvermore white & soft; until thou be,O hand, hearted handsel'd in a lover's hand.