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Home  »  The Oxford Book of English Verse  »  79. Whilst it is prime

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

Edmund Spenser. 1552–1599

79. Whilst it is prime

FRESH Spring, the herald of loves mighty king, 
In whose cote-armour richly are displayd 
All sorts of flowers, the which on earth do spring, 
In goodly colours gloriously arrayd— 
Goe to my love, where she is carelesse layd,         5
Yet in her winters bowre not well awake; 
Tell her the joyous time wil not be staid, 
Unlesse she doe him by the forelock take; 
Bid her therefore her selfe soone ready make, 
To wayt on Love amongst his lovely crew;  10
Where every one, that misseth then her make, 
Shall be by him amearst with penance dew. 
    Make hast, therefore, sweet love, whilest it is prime; 
    For none can call againe the passèd time. 
 
GLOSS:  make] mate.