WHATSOEVER thing I see, Rich or poor although it be ; 'Tis a mistress unto me. Be my girl or fair or brown, Does she smile or does she frown, Still I write a sweetheart down. Be she rough or smooth of skin ; When I touch I then begin For to let affection in. Be she bald, or does she wear Locks incurl'd of other hair, I shall find enchantment there. Be she whole, or be she rent, So my fancy be content, She's to me most excellent. Be she fat, or be she lean, Be she sluttish, be she clean, I'm a man for ev'ry scene.

Frans Hals. The Gypsy Girl, 1628-30.

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