Marie, you surpass in stature, and in face, Poem by Pierre De Ronsard

Poem by Pierre De Ronsard Collection Second Book of LovesThemes LovePeriod 16th century

Marie, you surpass in stature, and in face,
In grace, in laughter, in eyes, in breast, and in nipple,
Your middle sister, as much as the bud
Of a true rosebush surpasses a wild rose.

I do not say, however, that a hedgerow rosebush
Is not pleasing to the eye, and that it does not smell sweet;
So I do not say that your sister Thoinon
Is not beautiful, but what? you are more so.

I well know that after you she has the first prize
Of this village, in beauty, and that one would be smitten
With her easily, if you were absent.

But when you approach, then her beauty flees,
Or dull she becomes by your presence,
As the stars do when the Moon shines.

Pierre de Ronsard

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Text published on Poésies 123: https://www.poesies123.com/en/poem-marie-you-surpass-in-stature-and-in-face-pierre-de-ronsard/