Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/312

 HENRY KING, BISHOP OF CHICHESTER

1592-1669

278. A Contemplation upon Flowers

Brave flowers—that I could gallant it like you, And be as little vain ! You come abroad, and make a harmless show, And to your beds of earth again. You are not proud: you know your birth: For your embroider'd garments are from earth.

You do obey your months and times, but I     Would have it ever Spring: My fate would know no Winter, never die, Nor think of such a thing. O that I could my bed of earth but view And smile, and look as cheerfully as you!

O teach me to see Death and not to fear, But rather to take truce! How often have I seen you at a bier, And there look fresh and spruce! You fragrant flowers! then teach me, that my breath Like yours may sweeten and perfume my death.

279. A Renunciation

We, that did nothing study but the way To love each other, with which thoughts the day Rose with delight to us and with them set, Must learn the hateful art, how to forget. We, that did nothing wish that Heaven could give Beyond ourselves, nor did desire to live