Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
II. Loves NatureWelcome, welcome, do I sing
William Browne (c. 1590c. 1645)Welcome, welcome, do I sing,
Far more welcome than the spring;
He that parteth from you never
Shall enjoy a spring forever.
Breaking from your ivory pale,
Need not walk abroad to hear
The delightful nightingale.
Welcome, welcome, then I sing, etc.
Though the winter have begun
To benumb our arteries,
Shall not want the summer’s sun.
Welcome, welcome, then I sing, etc.
Where all rareness still reposes,
Is a fool if e’er he seeks
Other lilies, other roses.
Welcome, welcome, then I sing, etc.
And perceives your breath in kissing,
All the odors of the fields
Never, never shall be missing.