Helen

Beauty is but a flower Which wrinkles will devour; Brightness falls from the air; Queens have died young and fair; Dust hath close'  d Helen's eye. I am sick, I must die. Lord, have mercy on us!

—Nashe,Thomas

Helen, did Homer never see Thy beauties, yet could write of thee?

—Jonson, Ben

   Was this the face that launched a thousand ships, And burnt the topless towers of Ilium? Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss! Her lips suck forth my soul: see, where it flies! Come Helen, come give me my soul again. Here will I dwell, for heaven be in these lips, And all is dross that is not Helena.

—Marlowe, Christopher

Helen, whose beauty summoned Greece to arms, And drewa thousand ships toTenedos.

—Marlowe, Christopher

Whose love isgiven over-well Shall look on Helen's face in hell Whilst they whose love is thin and wise Shall see John Knox in Paradise.

—Parker, Dorothy ne¤  e Rothschild

Past ruined Ilion Helen lives, Alcestis rises from the shades; Verse calls them forth; 'tis verse that gives Immortal youth to mortal maids.

—Landor,Walter Savage

I wish I were where Helen lies, Night and day on me she cries; O that I were where Helen lies, On fair Kirkconnell lea!

—Ballads