Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/476

 Full many maidens often did him woo, Them to vouchsafe, emongst his rhymes to name; Or make for them, as he was wont to do, For her that did his heart with love inflame; For which they promised to dight for him, Gay chaplets of flowers and garlands trim.

And many a nymph, both of the wood and brook, Soon as his oaten pipe began to shrill; Both crystal wells and shady groves forsook, To hear the charms of his enchanting skill: And brought him presents; flowers, if it were prime; Or mellow fruit, if it were harvest time.

But he for none of them did care a whit; Yet wood-gods for them oft sighed sore: Ne for their gifts unworthy of his wit, Yet not unworthy of the country's store. For One alone he cared, for One he sighed His life's treasure, and his dear love's delight.

STELLA the fair! the fairest star in sky: As fair as VENUS, or the fairest fair. A fairer star saw never living eye, Shot her sharp pointed beams through purest air. Her, he did love; her, he alone he did honour; His thoughts, his rhymes, his songs were all upon her.

To her, he vowed the service of his days; On her, he spent the riches of his wit; For her, he made hymns of immortal praise: Of only her; he sang, he thought, he writ. Her, and but her, of love he worthy deemed: For all the rest, but little he esteemed.