Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/59

 WILLIAM DUNBAR

Above all ryvers thy Ryver hath renowne,

Whose beryall stremys, pleasaunt and preclare,

Under thy lusty wallys renneth down,

Where many a swan doth swymme with wyngis fairj Where many a barge doth saile and row with are;

Where many a ship doth rest with top-royall. O, towne of townes' patrone and not compare,

London, thou art the flour of Cities all.

Upon thy lusty Brigge of pylers white

Been mcrchauntis full royall to behold; Upon thy strctis goeth many a semely knyght

In velvet gownes and in cheynes of gold.

By Julius Cebar thy Tour founded of old May be the hous of Mars victoryall,

Whose artillary with tonge may not be told. London, thou art the flour of Cities all.

Strong be thy wallis that about thee standis;

Wise be the people that within thee dwelhs; Frebh is thy ryver with his lusty strandis;

Bhth be thv chirches, wele sownyng be thy bellis;

Rich be thy merchauntis in bubstaunce that exccllis; Fair be their wivet>, right lovcsom, white and small;

Clcrc be thy virg\nb, lusty under kelhb: London, thou art the flour of Cities all.

Thv famous Mai re, by pryncely governaunce, With bwoid of jubtice thee ruleth prudently.

No Lord of Parjs, Venice, or Floraunce In dignitye or honour goeth to hym nigh.

arc] oar. compaie] compeei. small] slender,

kcllisj hoods, head-diesses.

�� �