The Faerie Queen

High above all a cloth of State was spared,

And a rich throne, as bright as a sunny day,

On which there sate most brave embellished

With royal robes and a gorgeous array,

A mayden Queene, that shone as Titans ray,

In glittering gold, and peerless precious stone:

Yet her bright blazing beauties did assay

To dim the brightness of her glorious throne,

As envying herself, that too exceeding shone …