Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/159

 Well, in absence this will die:  Leave to see, and leave to wonder. Absence sure will help, if I  Can learn how myself to sunder From what in my heart doth lie. But time will these thoughts remove;  Time doth work what no man knoweth. Time doth as the subject prove:   With time still the affection groweth In the faithful turtle-dove. What if you new beauties see?  Will not they stir new affection? I will think they pictures be   (Image-like, of saints' perfection) Poorly counterfeiting thee. But your reason's purest light  Bids you leave such minds to nourish. Dear, do reason no such spite! Never doth thy beauty flourish More than in my reason's sight. 90. leave] cease. 91. Philomela

The Nightingale, as soon as April bringeth Unto her rested sense a perfect waking, While late-bare Earth, proud of new clothing, springeth, Sings out her woes, a thorn her song-book making; And mournfully bewailing, Her throat in tunes expresseth What grief her breast oppresseth, For Tereus' force on her chaste will prevailing.