Contents
-BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
John Reynolds. 16th Cent.
177. A Nosegay
SAY, crimson Rose and dainty Daffodil, | |
With Violet blue; | |
Since you have seen the beauty of my saint, | |
And eke her view; | |
Did not her sight (fair sight!) you lonely fill, | 5 |
With sweet delight | |
Of goddess’ grace and angels’ sacred teint | |
In fine, most bright? | |
|
Say, golden Primrose, sanguine Cowslip fair, | |
With Pink most fine; | 10 |
Since you beheld the visage of my dear, | |
And eyes divine; | |
Did not her globy front, and glistering hair, | |
With cheeks most sweet, | |
So gloriously like damask flowers appear, | 15 |
The gods to greet? | |
|
Say, snow-white Lily, speckled Gillyflower, | |
With Daisy gay; | |
Since you have viewed the Queen of my desire, | |
In her array; | 20 |
Did not her ivory paps, fair Venus’ bower, | |
With heavenly glee, | |
A Juno’s grace, conjure you to require | |
Her face to see? | |
|
Say Rose, say Daffodil, and Violet blue, | 25 |
With Primrose fair, | |
Since ye have seen my nymph’s sweet dainty face | |
And gesture rare, | |
Did not (bright Cowslip, blooming Pink) her view | |
(White Lily) shine— | 30 |
(Ah, Gillyflower, ah Daisy!) with a grace | |
Like stars divine? | |