William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. The Book of Restoration Verse. 1910.
Song: ‘See, O see!’George Digby, Earl of Bristol (1612–1677)
S
How every tree,
Every bower,
Every flower,
A new life gives to others’ joys,
Whilst that I
Grief-stricken lie,
Nor can meet
With any sweet
But what faster mine destroys.
What are all the senses’ pleasures,
When the mind has lost all measures?
How sweet and clear
The nightingale
And waters’ fall
In concert join for others’ ears,
Whilst to me,
For harmony,
Every air
Echoes despair,
And every drop provokes a tear.
What are all the senses’ pleasures,
When the mind has lost all measures?