Sonet 3 Poem by William Alexander

That subtill Greeke who for t'aduance his art,
Shap'd Beauties Goddesse with so sweet a grace,
And with a learned pensill limn'd her face,
Till all the world admir'd the workmans part.
Of such whom Fame did most accomplish'd call
The naked showes he seuerally perceiued,
Then drew th'Idæa which his soule conceiued,
Of that which was most exquisite in all:
But had thy forme his fancie first possest,
If worldly knowledge could so high attaine,
Thou mightst haue spar'd the curious Painters paine,
And satisfide him more then all the rest.
O if he had all thy perfections noted,
The Painter with his Picture straight had doted.