Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/98

 ROBERT WEVER

c. 1550

45. In Youth is Pleasure

In a harbour grene aslepe whereas I lay, The byrdes sang swete in the middes of the day, I dreamèd fast of mirth and play: In youth is pleasure, in youth is pleasure.

Methought I walked still to and fro, And from her company I could not go— But when I waked it was not so: In youth is pleasure, in youth is pleasure.

Therefore my hart is surely pyght Of her alone to have a sight Which is my joy and hartes delight: In youth is pleasure, in youth is pleasure.

RICHARD EDWARDES

1523-66

46. Amantium Iræ

In going to my naked bed as one that would have slept, I heard a wife sing to her child, that long before had wept; She sighèd sore and sang full sweet, to bring the babe to rest, That would not cease but crièd still, in sucking at her breast. She was full weary of her watch, and grievèd with her child, She rockèd it and rated it, till that on her it smiled. Then did she say, Now have I found this proverb true to prove, The falling out of faithful friends renewing is of love.

Then took I paper, pen, and ink, this proverb for to write, In register for to remain of such a worthy wight: As she proceeded thus in song unto her little brat, Much matter utter'd she of weight, in place whereas she sat: