Thomas Humphry Ward, ed. The English Poets. 1880–1918.rnVol. I. Early Poetry: Chaucer to Donne
Sir John Davies (15701626)From Hymnes of Astraea, in Acrosticke Verse: To the Nightingale
E very night from even to morn,
L ove’s Chorister amid the thorn
I s now so sweet a singer;
S o sweet, as for her song I scorn
A pollo’s voice, and finger.
E ver to watch the starry night;
T ell all the stars of heaven,
H eaven never had a star so bright,
A s now to Earth is given.
E ternal with her beams, nor may
G ross darkness overcome her;
I now perceive why some do write,
N o country hath so short a night,
A s England hath in Summer.