Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/264

 Never again deluding love shall know me, For I will die; And all those griefs that think to overgrow me         Shall be as I: For ever will I sleep, while poor maids cry— 'Alas, for pity stay, And let us die With thee! Men cannot mock us in the clay.'

212. Love's Emblems

Now the lusty spring is seen; Golden yellow, gaudy blue, Daintily invite the view: Everywhere on every green Roses blushing as they blow, And enticing men to pull, Lilies whiter than the snow, Woodbines of sweet honey full: All love's emblems, and all cry, 'Ladies, if not pluck'd, we die.'

Yet the lusty spring hath stay'd; Blushing red and purest white Daintily to love invite Every woman, every maid: Cherries kissing as they grow, And inviting men to taste, Apples even ripe below, Winding gently to the waist: All love's emblems, and all cry, 'Ladies, if not pluck'd, we die.'