Neatness In Apparel

In your garb and outward clothing A reservëd plainness use; By their neatness more distinguished Than the brightness of their hues. All the colours in the rainbow Serve to spread the peacock's train; Half the lustre of his feathers Would turn twenty coxcombs vain. Yet the swan that swims in rivers, Pleases the judicious sight; Who, of brighter colours heedless, Trusts alone to simple white. Yet all other hues, comparëd With his whiteness, show amiss; And the peacock's coat of colours Like a fool's coat looks by his.