Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/296

 GEORGE WITHER

Out of which delightful store One he may take and no more; Long he pausing doubteth whether Of those fair ones he should gather.

First the Primrose courts his eyes, Then the Cowslip he copies; Next the Pansy seems to woo him, Then Carnations bow unto him, Which whilst that enamour'd swam From the stalk intends to strain, (As half- fearing to be seen) Prettily her leaves between Peeps the Violet, pale to see That her virtues slighted be; Which so much his liking wins That to seize her he begins.

Yet before he stoop 'd so low He his wanton eye did throw On a stem that grew more high, And the Rose did there espy. Who, beside her previous scent, To procure his eyes content Did display her goodly breast, Where he found at full exprest All the good that Nature showers On a thousand other flowers, Wherewith he affected takes it, His beloved flower he makes it, And without desire of more Walks through all he saw before.

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