Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
William Browne, of Tavistock. 15881643241. The Sirens’ Song
STEER, hither steer your wingèd pines, | |
All beaten mariners! | |
Here lie Love’s undiscover’d mines, | |
A prey to passengers— | |
Perfumes far sweeter than the best | 5 |
Which make the Phoenix’ urn and nest. | |
Fear not your ships, | |
Nor any to oppose you save our lips; | |
But come on shore, | |
Where no joy dies till Love hath gotten more. | 10 |
For swelling waves our panting breasts, | |
Where never storms arise, | |
Exchange, and be awhile our guests: | |
For stars gaze on our eyes. | |
The compass Love shall hourly sing, | 15 |
And as he goes about the ring, | |
We will not miss | |
To tell each point he nameth with a kiss. | |
—Then come on shore, | |
Where no joy dies till Love hath gotten more. | 20 |