John Milton (1608–1674)

LAWRENCE of vertuous Father vertuous Son,

Now that the Fields are dank, and ways are mire,

Where shall we sometimes meet, and by the fire

Help wast a sullen day; what may be won

From the hard Season gaining: time will run

On smoother, till Favonius re-inspire

The frozen earth; and cloth in fresh attire

The Lillie and Rose, that neither sow’d nor spun.

What neat repast shall feast us, light and choice,

Of Attick tast, with Wine, whence we may rise

To hear the Lute well toucht, or artfull voice

Warble immortal Notes and Tuskan Ayre?

He who of those delights can judge, and spare

To interpose them oft, is not unwise.