That thou art blam‘d shall not be thy defect,
For slander‘s mark was ever yet the fair;
The ornament of beauty is suspect,
A crow that flies in heaven‘s sweetest air.

So thou be good, slander doth but approve
Thy worth the greater being woo‘d of time;
For canker vice the sweetest buds doth love,
And thou present‘st a pure unstained prime.

Thou hast passed by the ambush of young days
Either not assail‘d, or victor being charg‘d;
Yet this thy praise cannot be so thy praise,
To tie up envy, evermore enlarg‘d,

    If some suspect of ill mask‘d not thy show,
    Then thou alone kingdoms of hearts shouldst owe.

The beautiful verses exude a timeless elegance and depth of emotion. The imagery of beauty being suspect and vulnerable to slander is both poignant and thought-provoking. The idea that virtue and goodness can shine even brighter in the face of slander speaks to the resilience and strength of one’s character. The portrayal of youth as a battlefield, with the individual either emerging unscathed or victorious, adds a profound layer of symbolism to the poem. The closing lines, with their contemplation of the potential impact of suspicion on one’s reputation, leave a lasting impression. The intricate weaving of themes of beauty, virtue, and the impact of slander create a rich tapestry of emotion and reflection. This poetic composition showcases the enduring power of lyrical expression to explore the complexities of the human experience.