WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Primrose, firstborn child of Ver; Merry springtime's harbinger,
With harebells dimj Oxlips in their cradles growing, Mangolds on death-beds blowing,
Larks'-heels trim; All dear Nature's children sweet Lie 'fore bride and bridegroom's feet,
Blessing their sense! Not an angel of the air, Bird melodious or bird fair,
Be absent hence '
The crow, the slanderous cuckoo, nor The boding raven, nor chough hoar,
Nor chattering pye, May on our bride-house perch or sing, Or with them any discord bring,
But from it fly!
? or John Fletcher.
152 Dirge of the Three Queens
rRNS and odours bring away'
Vapours, sighs, darken the day ! Our dole more deadly looks than dying; Balms and gums and heavy cheers, Sacred vials fill'd with tears, And clamours through the wild air flying T
Come, all sad and solemn shows, That are quick-eyed Pleasure's foes! We convent naught else but woes.
? or John Fletcher.
152 dole] lamentation. convent] summon.
19*
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