Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/582

 MARK AKENSIDE

I know, I see Her merit. Needs it now be shown,

Alas! to me?

How often, to myself unknown, The graceful, gentle, virtuous maid Have I admired' How often said What joy to call a heart like hers one's own'

But, flattering god, O squanderer of content and ease

In thy abode

Will care's rude lesson learn to please ? O say, dcccner, hast thou won Pioud Fortune to attend thy throne, Or placed thy friends above her stern decrees ?

��The Nightingale

SO-NIGHT retired, the queen of heaven With young Endymion btays; And now to Hebper it is given Awhile to rule the vacant sky, Till she shall to her lamp supply A stream of brighter rays.

Propitious send thy golden ray,

Thou purest light above' Let no false flame beduce to stray Where gulf or steep lie hid for harm ; But lead where music'b healing charm

May soothe afflicted love.

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