Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/149

 EDMUND SPENSER

That like old Peneus Waters they did seeme,

When downe along by pleasant Tempes shore,

Scattrcd with Flowres, through Thessaly they streeme.

That they appeare, through Lillies plenteous store,

Like a Brydes Chamber flore.

Two of those Nymphes, meane while, two Garlands bound

Of freshest Flowres which in that Mead they found,

The which presenting all in trim Array,

Their snowie Foreheads therewithall they crownd,

WhiTst one did sing this Lay,

Prcpar'd against that Day,

Against their Brydale day, which was not long'

Sweete Themmes' runne softly, till I end my Song.

'Ye gentle Birdes 1 the worlds faire ornament,

And heavens glorie, whom this happic hower

Doth leade unto your lovers blisfull bower,

Joy may you have, and gentle hearts content

Of your loves couplement;

And let faire Venus, that is Queene of love,

With her heart-quelling Sonnc upon you smile,

Whose binilc, they say, hath vertue to remove

All Loves dislike, and friendships faultie guile

For ever to absoile.

Let cndlesse Peace your steadfast hearts accord,

And blcbscd Plcntie wait upon your bord;

And let your bed with pleasures chast abound,

That fruitfull issue may to you afford,

Which may your foes confound,

And make your joyes redound

Upon your Brydale day, which is not long:

Sweete Themmeb' runne softlie, till I end my Song. J

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