Knowst now that black [hair] is the ornament of youth and that，when whiteness descends upon the headdelights pass away and the hour of death draws nigh？ Were not black the most illustrious of thingsGod had not set it in the kernel of the heart and the apple of the eye；and how excellent is the saying of the poet：
An if I cherish the dusky maidsthis is the reason why；They have the hue of the core of the heart and the apple of the eye And youth；nor in error I eschew the whiteness of the blondes；For 'tis the colour of hoary hair and shrouds in them shun I.
And that of another：
The brownnot the whiteare first in my love And worthiest eke to be loved of me，For the colour of damask lips have theyWhilst the white have the hue of leprosy.
And of a third：
Black womenwhite of deedsare like indeed to eyne Thatthough jet-black they bewith peerless splendours shine.
If I go mad for herbe not amazed；for black The source of madness iswhen in the feminine.
'Tis as my colour were the middle dark of night；For all no moon it beyet brings it lightin fine.
Moreoveris the companying together of lovers good but in the night？ Let this quality and excellence suffice thee. What protects lovers from spies and censors like the blackness of the shadows？ And nought gives them cause to fear discovery like the whiteness of the dawn. Sohow many claims to honour are there not in blackness and how excellent is the saying of the poet：
I visit themand the mirk of night doth help me to my will And seconds mebut the white of dawn is hostile to me still.
And that of another：
How many a night in joy I've passed with the beloved oneWhat while the darkness curtained us about with tresses dun！
Whenas the light of morn appearedit struck me with affright，And I to him'The Magians liewho worship fire and sun.'
And saith a third：