Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/143

 EDMUND SPENSER 88 Whilst it is prime

FRESH Spring, the herald of loves mighty king, In whose cote-armour richly arc displayd All sorts of flowers, the which on earth do spiing, In goodly colours gloriously arrayd Goc to my love, where she is carelcsbe layd, Yet in her winters bowre not well awake; Tell her the joyous time wil not be staid, Unlesse she doe him by the forelock take; Bid her thcrefoic her sclfe soone ready make, To wayt on Love amongst his lovely crew; Wheie every one, that misscth then her make, Shall be by him amcarst with penance dew.

Make hast, therefore, sweet love, whilest it is prime, For none can call againe the passed time.

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In patse of Ehza, Queen of the 5 he f herds


 * EE where she sits upon the grassie greene,

(O secmely sight') Ychid in Scarlot, like a maydcn Queene,

And ermines white Upon her head a Crcmosm coronet With Damaske roses and DafTadillies set:

Bay leaves bctwecnc,

And primroses grcenc, Embellish the sweete Violet.

8S make] mate.

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