RUST not, sweet soul, those curled waves of gold Nor snow of cheeks with Tyrian grain enrolled : Trust not those shining lights which wrought my woe, When first I did their burning rays behold; Nor voice, whose sounds more strange effects do show Than of the Thracian harper have been told : Look to this dying lily, fading rose, Dark hyacinth, of late whose blushing beams Made all the neighbouring herbs and grass rejoice And think how little is 'twixt life's extremes: The cruel tyrant that did kill those flowers Shall once, ay me! not spare that spring of yours. WILLIAM DRummond. OWN in a valley, by a forest's side, Near where the crystal Thames rolls on her waves, I saw a mushroom stand in haughty pride, As if the lilies grew to be his slaves. The gentle daisy, with her silver crown, Salutes the gay nymphs as they trimly pass,- I could not choose but grieve that Nature made WILLIAM BROWNE. ROSE, as fair as ever saw the North, A sweeter flower did Nature ne'er put forth, Nor fairer garden yet was ever known : The maidens danced about it morn and noon, And learned bards of it their ditties made; God shield the stock! if heaven send no supplies, The fairest blossom of the garden dies. WILLIAM Browne. SING of brooks, of blossoms, birds, and bowers, I sing of May-poles, hock-carts, wassails, wakes, OU say I love not, 'cause I do not play The most I love, when I the least express it: Deep waters noiseless are; and this we know, A depth in love, and that depth bottomless. Now since my love is tongueless, know me such Who speak but little, 'cause I love so much. ROBERT HERRICK. |