Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/224

 WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Primrose, firstborn child of Ver; Merry springtime's harbinger,

With harebells dimj Oxlips in their cradles growing, Mangolds on death-beds blowing,

Larks'-heels trim; All dear Nature's children sweet Lie 'fore bride and bridegroom's feet,

Blessing their sense! Not an angel of the air, Bird melodious or bird fair,

Be absent hence '

The crow, the slanderous cuckoo, nor The boding raven, nor chough hoar,

Nor chattering pye, May on our bride-house perch or sing, Or with them any discord bring,

But from it fly!

? or John Fletcher.

152 Dirge of the Three Queens

rRNS and odours bring away'

Vapours, sighs, darken the day ! Our dole more deadly looks than dying; Balms and gums and heavy cheers, Sacred vials fill'd with tears, And clamours through the wild air flying T

Come, all sad and solemn shows, That are quick-eyed Pleasure's foes! We convent naught else but woes.

? or John Fletcher.

152 dole] lamentation. convent] summon.

19*

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