Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/378

 Thou seem'st like stars to nourish fire, But O how cold is thy desire! And like the hand upon the brass Thou point'st at me       In mockery; If I come nigh Shade-like thou'lt fly, And as the stream with murmur pass.

332. On the Queen's Return from the Low Countries

Hallow the threshold, crown the posts anew! The day shall have its due. Twist all our victories into one bright wreath, On which let honour breathe; Then throw it round the temples of our Queen! 'Tis she that must preserve those glories green.

When greater tempests than on sea before Received her on the shore; When she was shot at 'for the King's own good' By legions hired to blood; How bravely did she do, how bravely bear! And show'd, though they durst rage, she durst not fear.

Courage was cast about her like a dress Of solemn comeliness: A gathered mind and an untroubled face Did give her dangers grace: Thus, arm'd with innocence, secure they move Whose highest 'treason' is but highest love.