Francis Davison

Francis Davison, born in 1575, was an English poet known for his contribution to the anthology 'The Poetical Rhapsody', published in 1602. He was the eldest son of William Davison, a notable statesman. Though sometimes overshadowed by other poets of his time, Davison's work is appreciated for its lyrical quality and inventive use of classic poetic forms. He passed away in 1619, leaving behind a modest but respected body of work.

January 1, 1575

January 1, 1619

English

Francis Davison

Are Women Fair?

"Are women fair?" Ay, wondrous fair to see, too.
"Are women sweet?" Yea, passing sweet they be, too.
Most fair and sweet to them that only love them;
Chaste and discreet to all save them that prove them.

"Are women wise?" Not wise, but they be witty;
"Are women witty?" Yea, the more the pity;
They are so witty, and in wit so wily,
Though ye be ne'er so wise, they will beguile ye.

"Are women fools?" Not fools, but fondlings many;
"Can women fond be faithful unto any?"
When snow-white swans do turn to colour sable,
Then women fond will be both firm and stable.

"Are women saints?" No saints, nor yet no devils;
"Are women good?" Not good, but needful evils.
So Angel-like, that devils I do not doubt them,
So needful evils that few can live without them...

Francis Davison