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Home  »  The Oxford Book of English Verse  »  241. The Sirens’ Song

Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.

William Browne, of Tavistock. 1588–1643

241. 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