Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
William Shakespeare. 15641616141. Bridal Song ? or John Fletcher.
ROSES, their sharp spines being gone, | |
Not royal in their smells alone, | |
But in their hue; | |
Maiden pinks, of odour faint, | |
Daisies smell-less, yet most quaint, | 5 |
And sweet thyme true; | |
Primrose, firstborn child of Ver; | |
Merry springtime’s harbinger, | |
With her bells dim; | |
Oxlips in their cradles growing, | 10 |
Marigolds on death-beds blowing, | |
Larks’-heels trim; | |
All dear Nature’s children sweet | |
Lie ‘fore bride and bridegroom’s feet, | |
Blessing their sense! | 15 |
Not an angel of the air, | |
Bird melodious or bird fair, | |
Be absent hence! | |
The crow, the slanderous cuckoo, nor | |
The boding raven, nor chough hoar, | 20 |
Nor chattering pye, | |
May on our bride-house perch or sing, | |
Or with them any discord bring, | |
But from it fly! |