Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/286

 Lord! keep me faithful to the trust Which my dear spouse reposed in me: To him now dead preserve me just In all that should performèd be! For though our being man and wife Extendeth only to this life, Yet neither life nor death should end The being of a faithful friend.

WILLIAM BROWNE, OF TAVISTOCK

1588-1643

240. A Welcome

''Welcome, welcome! do I sing, Far more welcome than the spring; He that parteth from you never Shall enjoy a spring for ever.''

He that to the voice is near Breaking from your iv'ry pale, Need not walk abroad to hear The delightful nightingale. Welcome, welcome, then

He that looks still on your eyes, Though the winter have begun To benumb our arteries, Shall not want the summer's sun. Welcome, welcome, then

He that still may see your cheeks, Where all rareness still reposes, Is a fool if e'er he seeks Other lilies, other roses. Welcome, welcome, then