Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/110

 RICHARD EDWARDES

So noble nature can well end the work she hath begun, And bridle well that will not cease her tragedy in some: Thus in song she oft rehearsed, as did her well behove, The falling out of faithful friends renewing is of love.

I marvel much pardy (quoth she) for to behold the rout, To s>ee man, woman, boy and beast, to toss the world about: Some kneel, some crouch, some beck, some check, and some

can smoothly smile,

And some embrace others in arm, and there thinkmanyawile, Some stand aloof at cap and knee; some humble and some stout, Yet are they never friends in deed until they once fall out Thus ended she her song and said, before she did remove, The falling out of faithful friends renewing is of love.

��GEORGE GASCOIGNE

55 A Lover's Lullaby

JING lullaby, as women do,

Wherewith they bring their babes to rest; And lullaby can I sing too,

As womanly as can the best. With lullaby they still the child; And if I be not much beguiled, Full many a wanton babe have I, Which must be stiird with lullaby.

First lullaby my youthful years,

It is now time to go to bed. For crooked age and hoary hairs

Have won the haven within my head.

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