Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/169

 And when he saddest sits in homely cell, He'll teach his swains this carol for a song,— 'Blest be the hearts that wish my sovereign well, Curst be the souls that think her any wrong.' Goddess, allow this agèd man his right To be your beadsman now that was your knight.

ROBERT GREENE

1560-92

103. Samela

Like to Diana in her summer weed, Girt with a crimson robe of brightest dye, Goes fair Samela. Whiter than be the flocks that straggling feed When wash'd by Arethusa faint they lie, Is fair Samela. As fair Aurora in her morning grey, Deck'd with the ruddy glister of her love Is fair Samela; Like lovely Thetis on a calmèd day Whenas her brightness Neptune's fancy move, Shines fair Samela.

Her tresses gold, her eyes like glassy streams, Her teeth are pearl, the breasts are ivory Of fair Samela; Her cheeks like rose and lily yield forth gleams; Her brows bright arches framed of ebony. Thus fair Samela Passeth fair Venus in her bravest hue, And Juno in the show of majesty (For she's Samela!),