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POEMS            (PAGES 9-25)

 

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HAKESPEARE'S   ONNETS

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Sonnets 1 - 50

Sonnets 51 - 100

Sonnets 101 - 154

text facsimiles

 

Views of London
as it was in 1616.
 London Bridge
As it was in Shakespeare's day, circa 1600.
     

 

The text of this edition is taken from a 1925 reprint of the original, edited by Hugh Macdonald. The original was published in 1600 by John Flasket, and there was a further edition in 1614.
 

 

 

 The Sheepheard to his chosen Nimph
 

 

  The Shepherd to his chosen Nymph

 

ONely ioy, now heere you are,
         
Fit to heare and ease my care :
         
Let my whispring voyce obtaine,
         
Sweet reward for sharpest paine.
      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Deere, let be.

 

Night hath clos'd all in her cloke,
Twinkling starres Loue-thoughts prouoke,
Daunger hence good care dooth keepe,
Iealousie it selfe dooth sleepe.

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Deere, let be.

Better place no wit can finde,
Cupids yoake to loose or binde,
These sweet flowers on fine bed too,
Vs in their best language woo,

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Deere, let be.

This small light the Moone bestowes,
Serues thy beames but to enclose,
So to raise my hap more hie,
Feare not else, none can vs spie.

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Deare, let be.

That you heard was but a Mouse,
Dumbe sleepe holdeth all the house,
Yet a-sleepe me thinks they say,
Young folkes, take time while you may.

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Deare, let be.

Niggard Time threats, if we misse
This large offer of our blisse,
Long stay, ere he graunt the same,
(Sweet then) while each thing dooth frame,

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Deere, let be.

Your faire Mother is a bed,
Candles out, and Curtaines spred,
She thinkes you doo Letters write,
Write, but let me first indite.

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Deere, let be.

Sweete (alas) why striue you thus?
Concord better fitteth vs.
Leaue to Mars the force of hands,
Your power in your beauty stands.

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Deare, let be.

Woe to me, and you doo sweare
Me to hate, but I forbeare,
Cursed be my destenies all,
That brought me to so high a fall.

      
Soone with my death I will please thee:
      
No, no, no, no, my Deare, let be.

FINIS                         S. Phil. Sidney

 

Only joy, now here you are,
         
Fit to hear and ease my care:
         
Let my whispering voice obtain
         
Sweet reward for sharpest pain.
      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Dear, let be.                6

 

Night hath closed all in her cloak,
Twinkling stars love-thoughts provoke,
Danger hence good care doth keep,
Jealousy it self doth sleep.

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Dear, let be.               12

Better place no wit can find
Cupid's yoke to loose or bind.
These sweet flowers, on fine bed too,
Us in their best language woo.

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Dear, let be.               18

This small light the Moon bestows
Serves thy beams but to enclose,
So to raise my hap more high.
Fear not else, none can us spy.

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Dear, let be.               24

That you heard was but a Mouse,
Dumb sleep holdeth all the house,
Yet asleep, me thinks they say,
Young folks, take time while you may.

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Dear, let be.               30

Niggard Time threats, if we miss
This large offer of our bliss,
Long stay, ere he grant the same:
Sweet then, while each thing doth frame,

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Dear, let be.               36

Your fair Mother is a bed,
Candles out, and curtains spread,
She thinks you do letters write,
Write, but let me first indite:

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Dear, let be.               42

Sweet, alas, why strive you thus?
Concord better fitteth us.
Leave to Mars the force of hands,
Your power in your beauty stands.

      
Take me to thee, and thee to me,
      
No, no, no, no, my Dear, let be.               48

Woe to me, and you do swear
Me to hate. But I forbear.
Cursèd be my destinies all
That brought me to so high a fall.

      
Soon with my death I will please thee:
      
No, no, no, no, my Dear, let be.               54

FINIS                         Sir Philip Sidney
   

 

NOTES

1. only joy = my only joy, my chief delight. i.e his beloved girl.
2.
Fit to hear = able to listen.
5. Take me to thee etc. = sleep with me.
6. No, no etc. - the lady protests.
let be = let me alone, do not pester me with your desires.
9. hence = far off.
good care doth keep = is concerned with other things; keeps an eye on us.
13. Better place = there is no place which.
wit = invention, imagination, cunning.
14. Cupid's yoke = the bonds of love. A yoke is part of the harness of an ox, used when it is harnessed to the plough, or to a cart. It is a metaphor of imprisonment, or lack of liberty.
loose = release.
15. on fine bed too - he is presumably referring to flowers in a garden bed. The nocturnal meeting is probably taking place in a garden.
16. Us in their best language woo = by their beauty suggest that (time is fleeting, and you are beautiful, we should make love, etc. etc.).
19. bestows = grants us.
20. serves thy beams but to enclose = is good in that it illuminates your beauty.
21. so to = in order to.
raise my hap more high = increase my good fortune.
22. not else = nothing else.
25. That you heard = that noise which you heard.
27. they say - i.e. all those in the house.
31. Niggard = stingy, miserly, mean.
miss = lose, let slip.
32. large = generous.
33. Long stay = there will be a long delay.
34. while each thing doth frame = while circumstances work to our advantage.
37 a bed = in bed.
38. curtains spread - beds of the period frequently had curtains draped all around them to keep out draughts.
40. indite = write.
44. concord = peace, tranquillity.
fitteth = befits, is fitting for.
45. Mars - the god of war.
49. and you do swear = if you should swear.
50. me to hate = to hate me.
52. so high a fall = so great a disappointment.

 

THEORELLO

A Sheepheards Edillion
  
 

 

THEORELLO

A Shepherd's Edillion
  

You Sheepheards which on hillocks sit,
    like Princes in their throanes :
  And guide your flocks, which else would flit,
    your flocks of little ones :
  Good Kings haue not disdained it,
    but Sheepheards haue beene named :
  A sheepe-hooke is a Scepter fit,
    for people well reclaimed.
The Sheepheards life so honour'd is and praised :
That Kings lesse happy seeme, though higher raised.


The Sommer Sunne hath guilded faire,
    with morning rayes the mountaines :
  The birds doo caroll in the ayre,
    and naked Nimphs in Fountaines.
  The Siluanes in their shagged haire,
    with Hamadriades trace :
  The shadie Satires make a Quiere,
    which rocks with Ecchoes grace.
All breathe delight, all solace in the season :
Not now to sing, were enemie to reason.

Cosma my Loue, and more then so,
    the life of mine affections :
  Nor life alone, but Lady too,
    and Queene of their directions.
  Cosma my Loue, is faire you know,
    and which you Sheepheards know not :
  Is (Sophi said) thence called so,
    but names her beauty showe not.
Yet hath the world no better name then she :
And then the world, no fairer thing can be.

The Sunne vpon her fore-head stands,
    (or iewell Sunne-like glorious,)
  Her fore-head wrought with Ioues owne hands,
    for heauenly white notorious.
  Her golden lockes like Hermus sands,
    (or then bright Hermus brighter :)
  A spangled Cauill binds in with bands,
    then siluer morning lighter.
And if the Planets are the chiefe in skies :
No other starres then Planets are her eyes.

Her cheeke, her lip, fresh cheeke, more fresh,
    then selfe-blowne buds of Roses :
  Rare lip, more red then those of flesh,
    which thousand sweetes encloses :
  Sweet breath, which all things dooth refresh,
    and words than breath farre sweeter :
  Cheeke firme, lip firme, not fraile nor nesh,
    as substance which is fleeter.
In praise doo not surmount, although in placing :
Her christall necke, round breast, and armes embracing.

The thorough-shining ayre I weene,
    is not so perfect cleare :
  As is the skie of her faire skinne,
    whereon no spots appeare.
  The parts which ought not to be seene,
    for soueraigne woorth excell :
  Her thighs with Azure braunched beene,
    and all in her are well.
Long Iuorie hands, legges straighter then the Pine :
Well shapen feete, but vertue most diuine.

Nor cloathed like a Sheepheardesse,
    but rather like a Queene:
  Her mantle dooth the formes expresse,
    of all which may be seene.
  Roabe fitter for an Empresse,
    then for a Sheepheards loue :
  Roabe fit alone for such a Lasse,
    as Emperours doth moue.
Roabe which heauens Queene, the bride of her owne brother,
Would grace herselfe with, or with such another.

Who euer (and who else but Ioue)
    embroidered the same :
  Hee knew the world, and what did moue,
    in all the mightie frame.
  So well (belike his skill to proue)
    the counterfeits he wrought :
  Of wood-Gods, and of euery groaue,
    and all which else was ought.
Is there a beast, a bird, a fish worth noate?
Then that he drew, and picturde in her coate.

A vaile of Lawne like vapour thin
    vnto her anckle trailes :
  Through which the shapes discerned bin,
    as too and fro it sailes.
  Shapes both of men, who neuer lin
    to search her wonders out :
  Of monsters and of Gods a kin,
    which her empale about.
A little world her flowing garment seemes :
And who but as a wonder thereof deemes?

For heere and there appeare forth towers,
    among the chalkie downes :
  Citties among the Country bowers,
    which smiling Sun-shine crownes.
  Her mettall buskins deckt with flowers,
    as th'earth when frosts are gone:
  Besprinckled are with Orient showers
    of hayle and pebble stone.
Her feature peerelesse, peerelesse her attire,
I can but loue her loue, with zeale entire.

O who can sing her beauties best,
    or that remaines vnsung?
  Doe thou Apollo tune the rest,
    vnworthy is my tongue.
  To gaze on her, is to be blest,
    so wondrous fayre her face is;
  Her fairenes cannot be exprest,
    in Goddesses nor Graces.
I loue my loue, the goodly worke of Nature:
Admire her face, but more admire her stature.

On thee (ô Cosma) will I gaze,
    and reade thy beauties euer :
  Delighting in the blessed maze,
    which can be ended neuer.
  For in the luster of thy rayes,
    appeares thy parents brightnes :
  Who himselfe infinite displaies
    in thee his proper greatnes.
My song must end, but neuer my desire :
For Cosmas face is Theorellos fire.

FINIS                             E. B.
  
 

 

You Shepherds which on hillocks sit                            1
    like Princes in their thrones
  And guide your flocks, which else would flit,
    your flocks of little ones:
  Good Kings haue not disdained it,
    but Shepherds have been named.
  A sheep-hook is a Sceptre fit,
    for people well reclaimed.                                 
The Shepherd's life so honoured is and praised,        
9
That Kings less happy seem, though higher raised.

 


The Summer Sun hath gilded fair
    with morning rays the mountains.
  The birds do carol in the air,
    and naked Nymphs in Fountains.
  The Sylvans in their shagged hair,
    with Hamadryads trace.
  The shady Satyrs make a choir,
    which rocks with echoes grace.
All breathe delight, all solace in the season:
Not now to sing, were enemy to reason.                       
20

 

Cosma my Love, and more than so,
    the life of mine affections:
  Nor life alone, but Lady too,
    and Queen of their directions.
  Cosma, my Love, is fair you know,
    and which you Shepherds know not:
  Is (Sophie said) thence called so,
    but names her beauty show not.
Yet hath the world no better name than she,
And than the world, no fairer thing can be.            
30

 

The Sun upon her forehead stands,
    (or jewel Sun-like, glorious),
  Her forehead, wrought with Jove's own hands,
    for heavenly white notorious.
  Her golden locks like Hermus' sands,
    (or than bright Hermus brighter ),
  A spangled caul binds in with bands,
    than silver morning lighter.
And if the Planets are the chief in skies,
No other stars than Planets are her eyes.            
40

 

Her cheek, her lip, fresh cheek, more fresh,
    than self-blown buds of Roses,
  Rare lip, more red than those of flesh,
    which thousand sweets encloses.
  Sweet breath, which all things doth refresh,
    and words than breath far sweeter.
  Cheek firm, lip firm, not frail nor nesh,
    as substance which is fleeter:
In praise do not surmount, although in placing,          
49
Her crystal neck, round breast, and arms embracing.

 

The thorough-shining air, I ween,
    is not so perfect clear
  As is the sky of her fair skin,
    whereon no spots appear.
  The parts which ought not to be seen,
    for sovereign worth excel.
  Her thighs with Azure branched been,
    and all in her are well.
Long Ivory hands, legs straighter then the Pine,
Well shapen feet, but virtue most divine.            
60

 

Nor clothed like a Shepherdess,
    but rather like a Queen:
  Her mantle doth the forms express,
    of all which may be seen.
  Robe fitter for an Empress,
    than for a Shepherd's love.
  Robe fit alone for such a Lass,
    as Emperors doth move.
Robe which heaven's Queen, the bride of her own                                                                             brother,
Would grace herself with, or with such another.       
70

 

Who ever (and who else but Jove)
    embroidered the same,
  He knew the world, and what did move,
    in all the mighty frame.
  So well (belike his skill to prove)
    the counterfeits he wrought
  Of wood-Gods, and of every grove,
    and all which else was aught.
Is there a beast, a bird, a fish worth note
Than that he drew, and pictured in her coat?            
80

 

A veil of lawn like vapour thin
    unto her ankle trails,
  Through which the shapes discerned bin,
    as to and fro it sails.
  Shapes both of men, who never lin
    to search her wonders out,
  Of monsters and of Gods a kin,
    which her empale about.
A little world her flowing garment seems,
And who but as a wonder thereof deems?                   
90

 

For here and there appear forth towers,
    among the chalky downs,
  Cities among the country bowers,
    which smiling Sun-shine crowns.
  Her metal buskins decked with flowers,
    as th'earth when frosts are gone,
  Besprinkled are with Orient showers
    of hail and pebble stone.
Her feature peerless, peereless her attire,
I can but love her love, with zeal entire.                     
100

 

O who can sing her beauties best,
    or that remains unsung?
  Do thou Apollo tune the rest,
    unworthy is my tongue.
  To gaze on her, is to be blest,
    so wondrous fair her face is;
  Her fairness cannot be expressed
    in Godesses nor Graces.
I love my love, the goodly work of Nature,
Admire her face, but more admire her stature.        
110

 

On thee (ô Cosma) will I gaze,
    and read thy beauties ever,
  Delighting in the blessed maze,
    which can be ended never.
  For in the lustre of thy rays,
    appears thy parent's brightness,
  Who, himself infinite, displays
    in thee his proper greatness.
My song must end, but never my desire:
For Cosma's face is Theorello's fire.                       
120

 

FINIS                             E. B.
  

Two of the stanzas from this poem recall Shakespeare's sonnets 33 and 130. We cannot assume that the influence is from Shakespeare to this idyll, rather than in the opposite direction, as this work has a prior publication date, and was in print nine years before Shakespeare's sonnets.

 

I set out below the parts of the sonnets in question, and the relevant stanzas from this 'Eidillion'.

 

The Summer Sun hath gilded fair
    with morning rays the mountains.
  The birds do carol in the air,
    and naked Nymphs in Fountains.
  The Sylvans in their shagged hair,
    with Hamadryads trace.
  The shady Satyrs make a choir,
    which rocks with echoes grace.
All breathe delight, all solace in the season:
Not now to sing, were enemy to reason.          

 

 

From Sonnet 33

Full many a glorious morning have I seen
Flatter the mountain-tops with sovereign eye,
Kissing with golden face the meadows green,
Gilding pale streams with heavenly alchemy;

 

 

 

Her cheek, her lip, fresh cheek, more fresh,
    than self-blown buds of Roses,
  Rare lip, more red than those of flesh,
    which thousand sweets encloses.
  Sweet breath, which all things doth refresh,
    and words than breath far sweeter.
  Cheek firm, lip firm, not frail nor nesh,
    as substance which is fleeter:
In praise do not surmount, although in placing,          
Her crystal neck, round breast, and arms embracing.

 

 

From Sonnet 130


I have seen roses damask'd, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks;
And in some perfumes is there more delight
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know
That music hath a far more pleasing sound;
I grant I never saw a goddess go;
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:
   And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
   As any she belied with false compare.


E.B is probably Edmund Bolton, author of the Elements of Armories, 1610.

 

 

NOTES

Edillion = Idyllium, or idyllion. It is from the Greek eidillion, which is an idyll, or short poem descriptive of a scene chiefly from rustic life.
2. in their thrones = on their thrones.
5-6. i.e. Good kings have not disdained the title of Shepherd.
7. sheep-hook = a shepherd's crook.
a sceptre fit = a symbol of rule just as befitting as a sceptre is to a king.
8. well-reclaimed = of good temper, cultivated. Possibly 'of good renown'.
10. higher raised = of a higher station in life.
15. Sylvans = spirits of the woods. Drummond describes them as goat footed (and probably male).
16. Hamadryad = A wood-nymph fabled to live and die with the tree which she inhabited. (OED).
trace = tread, walk, proceed.
17. Satyrs = gods or demons who were part human, part horse, or part goat.
18. i.e. Which the rocks grace with their echoes.
22. mine affections = my passions.
25, 27. Cosma , Sophie. - The poet is punning on the Greek meanings of the names, beauty (literally 'order, good arrangement') and wisdom. See note to 29 below.
26. which = that which.
27. thence = because of her beauty.
29. world - the poet continues the pun on the Greek word for the world, kosmos i.e. order, ornament, world or universe (so called by Pythagoras or his disciples ‘from its perfect order and arrangement’. See OED cosmos (1) .
32. or jewel, sun-like - i.e. her forehead is like a jewel which shines as the sun shines. 35. Hermus - a river in Asia Minor (now Turkey) which joins the Pactolus. Both rivers were thought to have sand containing gold, and were supposedly the source of Croesus' wealth.
37. A spangled caul = A richly decorated kind of close-fitting cap, worn by women: a net for the hair; a netted cap or head-dress, often richly ornamented. See OED (1), which however does not give the spelling 'cavill'. A spangle is a piece of metal or foil which glints and is sewn on dresses etc. for ornament.
40. stars - the planets were known as the wandering stars.
42. self-blown = self-opening, flourishing. OED gives 'In bloom; that has blossomed. Cf. full-blown ' for blown ppl. a(2). The other meanings of blown ppl. a(1) such as 'tossed by the wind', or 'stale, flat', do not seem appropriate here.
47. nesh = tender, delicate, weak. (OED 4a.)
48. fleeter = more transitory, less secure.
49-50. i.e all these parts (listed in the lines above), do not surpass the glory of her neck, although they are physically set above it.
50. arms embracing = arms which are capable of embracing; arms which seem to enclose all these other parts.
51. thorough-shining = through which the light shines. I ween = I consider.
57. with Azure branched been = (?) Adorned with a figured pattern in embroidery, gilding, chasing, etc. (OED 2b.) in this case adorned with azure (blue), probably the blue of her veins. See line 71.
68. i.e who is capable of stirring Emperors to passion. 69. Heaven's Queen etc. - Hera was the sister as well as the wife of Zeus, according to Greek mythology. (They were called Jove or Jupiter and Juno in the Latin tradition).
71. This and the next two stanzas continue the description of the robe she is wearing.
73. what did move = what were the moving forces.
76. counterfeits = copies, images.
78. was aught = was anything worth depicting.
81. lawn = flimsy silk.
83. discerned bin = could be discerned.
85. lin = cease, desist.
87. a kin = related to, i.e. Gods, who are related to monsters, and vice versa.
88. empale about = surround her.
95. buskins = boots with thick soles such as were worn by the hunter goddess Diana. The reference to metal probably refers to decoration of gold and silver, as in heraldry.
100. love her love - possibly a misprint for 'I can but love my love'.
102. Or that remains etc. = (?) or all that which still remains unsung after all that I have already praised. 103. Apollo - God of the lyre and of song.
113. the blessed maze = the maze which one enters in seeking to unravel the mystery of her beauty. A state of bewilderment (OED 3a.).
116. parent = God, or Jupiter.
118. proper = own.
120. fire = passion, love.

 

Astrophels Loue is dead.
  

 

Astrophel's Love is dead.
  
 

RIng out your belles, let mourning shewes be spread,
            For Loue is dead.
   All loue is dead, infected
   With plague of deepe disdaine :
   Worth as nought worth reiected,
   And faith faire scorne doth gaine.
      From so vngratefull fancie,
      From such a femall frenzie,       
      From them that vse men thus :
                     Good Lord deliuer vs.
  
Weepe neighbours weepe, doe you not heare it saide
            That Loue is dead?
   His death-bed Peacocks follie,
   His winding sheete is shame :
   His will false, seeming holie,
   His sole exectour blame.
      From so vngratefull fancie,
      From such a female frenzie,       
      From them that vse men thus :
                     Good Lord deliuer vs.

Let Dirge be sunge, and Trentals richly read,
            For Loue is dead.
   And wrong his Tombe ordaineth,
   My Mistresse marble hart :
   Which epitaph containeth,
   Her eyes were once his Dart.
      From so vngratefull fancie,
      From such a female frenzie,       
      From them that vse men thus :
                     Good Lord deliuer vs.

Alas, I lye, rage hath this errour bred,
            Loue is not dead.
   Loue is not dead but sleepeth
   In her vnmatched minde :
   Where shee his counsell keepeth,
   Till due desert she find.
      Therefore from so vile fancie,
      To call such wit a frenzie,       
      Who loue can temper thus :
                     Good Lord deliuer vs.

 

 

FINIS                             Sir. Phil. Sidney.

 

RIng out your bells, let mourning shows be spread,
            For Love is dead.
   All love is dead, infected
   With plague of deep disdain.
   Worth as naught worth rejected,
   And faith fair scorn doth gain.
      From so ungrateful fancy,
      From such a female frenzy,       
      From them that use men thus,
                     Good Lord deliver us.                       
10
  

 


Weep neighbours, weep.    Do you not hear it said
            That Love is dead?
   His death-bed Peacock's folly,
   His winding sheet is shame,
   His will false, seeming holy,
   His sole executor, blame.
      From so ungrateful fancy,
      From such a female frenzy,       
      From them that use men thus,
                     Good Lord deliver us.                       
20

 

 

Let Dirge be sung, and Trentals richly read,
            For Love is dead
   And wrong his Tomb ordaineth
   My Mistress' marble heart,
   Which epitaph containeth:
   Her eyes were once his Dart.
      From so ungrateful fancy,
      From such a female frenzy,       
      From them that use men thus,
                     Good Lord deliver us.                       
30

 

 

Alas, I lie, rage hath this error bred,
            Love is not dead.
   Love is not dead but sleepeth
   In her unmatched mind,
   Where she his counsel keepeth,
   Till due desert she find.
      Therefore from so vile fancy,
      To call such wit a frenzy,       
      Who love can temper thus:
                     Good Lord deliver us.                      
40

 

 From the poems appended to the third edition of Sidney's Arcadia 1598. 'Probably written on the occasion of Stella's (Lady Penelope Devereux') marriage.' Bullen.

 

NOTES

1. mourning shows = all the trappings of mourning, such as black garments, candles, darkened windows, weeping, solemn prayers etc. .
4. deep disdain - i.e. his mistress disdains his love.
5. Worth is rejected as if it was worthless (naught worth). naught = nothing.
6. Faith is rewarded with scorn.
13. Peacock's folly = the foolishness of the woman (his mistress) who behaves like a peacock.
14. winding sheet = shroud.
15. His (love's) last will and testament is false, although it seems holy. Uncertain what this means.
21. Trentals = thirty sung requiem masses.
richly - the 1598 edition of Arcadia gives 'rightly'.
23. Wrong (personified) decrees that his tomb shall be etc.
25. which contains this epitaph.
26. This line is presumably the Epitaph. His dart refers to Cupid's arrow(s), and often the eyes of the loved one were likened to them, in that they sent out rays which slew the disdained lover.
31. The lover recants and withdraws his slander, declaring that it was rage (madness) which caused him to utter it.
34. unmatched = incomparable.
35. Till she finds a worthy love.
38-9. To call into question and certify as madness such wit and discernment in one who can so ably control and master love. I.e. the poet here asks that he himself be freed from the madness of such misjudgement.

 A Palinode
 
 

As withereth the Primrose by the riuer,
   As fadeth Sommers-sunne from gliding fountaines ;
   As vanisheth the light blowne bubble euer,
   As melteth snow vpon the mossie Mountaines.
So melts, so vanisheth, so fades, so withers,
The Rose, the shine, the bubble and the snow,
Of praise, pompe, glorie, ioy (which short life gathers,)
Faire praise, vaine pompe, sweet glory, brittle ioy.
The withered Primrose by the mourning riuer,
The faded Sommers-sunne from weeping fountaines :
The light-blowne bubble, vanished for euer,
The molten snow vpon the naked mountaines,
      Are emblems that the treasures we vp-lay,
      Soone wither, vanish, fade, and melt away.

For as the snowe, whose lawne did ouer-spread
Th'ambitious hills, which Giant-like did threat
To pierce the heauen with theyr aspiring head,
Naked and bare doth leaue their craggie seate.
When as the bubble, which did emptie flie
The daliance of the vndiscerned winde :
On whose calme rowling waues it did relie,
Hath shipwrack made, where it did daliance finde :
And when the Sun-shine which dissolu'd the snow,
Cullord the bubble with a pleasant varie,
And made the rathe and timely Primrose grow,
Swarth clowdes with-drawne (which longer time doe tarie)
      Oh what is praise, pompe, glory, ioy, but so
      As shine by fountaines, bubbles, flowers or snow ?

 

                      FINIS                                        E. B.

 As withereth the primrose by the river,
   As fadeth summer's sun from gliding fountains;
   As vanisheth the light blown bubble ever,
   As melteth snow vpon the mossy mountains.
So melts, so vanisheth, so fades, so withers,
The rose, the shine, the bubble and the snow,             
6
Of praise, pompe, glory, joy (which short life gathers,)
Fair praise, vain pomp, sweet glory, brittle joy.
The withered primrose by the morning river,
The faded summer's sun from weeping fountains,
The light-blown bubble, vanished for ever,
The molten snow upon the naked mountains,
      Are emblems that the treasures we up-lay,
      Soon wither, vanish, fade, and melt away.             
14

 

 

For as the snow, whose lawn did over-spread
Th'ambitious hills, which giant-like did threat
To pierce the heaven with their aspiring head,
Naked and bare doth leave their craggy seat.
When as the bubble, which did empty fly
The dalliance of the undiscerned wind,                   
20
On whose calm rolling waves it did rely,
Hath shipwreck made, where it did dalliance find.
And when the sunshine which dissolved the snow,
Coloured the bubble with a pleasant vary,
And made the rathe and timely primrose grow,
Swarth clouds with-drawn (which longer time do tarry)
      Oh what is praise, pomp, glory, joy, but so
      As shine by fountains, bubbles, flowers or snow ?   
28

 
 E.B is probably Edmund Bolton, author of The Elements of Armories, 1610.

 

NOTES

Palinode = A recantation. The tradition springs from the Ancient World, when poet's repented of their criticism of some fair beauty, e.g. Helen of Troy, and afterwards sang her praises. Here the poet repents perhaps that he has formerly sung of the beauties of nature, but now returns to find them all fleeting.

7. which short life gathers = which only lives for a short time.
15. lawn = a type of fine white cloth.
20. undiscernesd = not seen by the bubble untill it was too late.
24. vary = variation of colour.
25. rathe = early.
timely = appropriate for the time of year, welcome.
26. swarth = dark. The subject of the line is probably the sunshine of line 23, which drives away the dark clouds. with-drawn = removed.
27. but so as = but as such things are which.

 Astrophell the Sheep-heard, his complaint to his flocke.  
 

Goe my flocke, goe get yee hence,
      Seeke a better place of feeding :
    Where yee may haue some defence
      From the stormes in my breast breeding,
         And showers from mine eyes proceeding.

Leaue a wretch, in whom all woe,
      can abide to keepe no measure :
Merry Flocke, such one forgoe
      vnto whom mirth is displeasure,
      onely ritch in mischiefes treasure.

Yet (alas) before you goe,
      heare your wofull Maisters Storie :
Which to stones I else would showe,
      Sorrow onely then hath glorie :
      when tis excellently sorrie.

Stella, fiercest Sheepheardesse,
      fiercest, yet but fairest euer :
Stella, whom the heauens still blesse,
      though against me she perseuer,
      though I blisse, inherit neuer.

Stella hath refused me,
      Stella, who more loue hath proued
In this caitiffe hart to be,
      Then can in good eawes be moued :
      Towards Lambkins best beloued.

Stella hath refused me,
      Astrophell that so well serued,
In this pleasant Spring must see,
      while in pride flowers be preserued :
      himselfe onely Winter- sterued.

Why (alas) then dooth she sweare,
      that she loueth me so dearely :
Seeing me so long to beare
      coales of loue that burne so clearely :
      and yet leaue me helplesse meerely ?

Is that loue ? Forsooth I trow,
      if I saw my good dogge greeued :
And a helpe for him did know,
      my Loue should not be beleeued
      but he were by me releeued.

No, she hates me, well away,
      faigning loue, somewhat to please me :
Knowing, if she should display
      all her hate, Death soone would seaze me :
      and of hideous torments ease me.

Then my deare Flocke now adiew,
      but (alas) if in your straying,
Heauenly Stella meete with you,
      tell her in your pittious blaying :
      her poore slaues vniust decaying.

FINIS                             S. Phil. Sidney.

 Go my flock, go get ye hence,
      Seek a better place of feeding,
    Where ye may have some defence
      From the storms in my breast breeding,
         And showers from mine eyes proceeding.         
5

 

Leave a wretch, in whom all woe,
      can abide to keep no measure.
Merry Flock, such one forego
      unto whom mirth is displeasure,
      only rich in mischief's treasure.                           
10

 

Yet (alas) before you go,
      hear your woeful Master's Story
Which to stones I else would show:
      Sorrow only then hath glory
      when 'tis excellently sorry.                                    
15

 

Stella, fiercest Shepherdess,
      fiercest, yet but fairest ever.
Stella, whom the heavens still bless,
      though against me she persever,
      though I bliss inherit never.                                 
20

 

Stella hath refused me,
      Stella, who more love hath proved
In this caitiff heart to be,
      Then can in good ewes be moved
      Towards lambkins best beloved.                           
25

 

Stella hath refused me,
      Astrophell that so well served,
In this pleasant Spring must see,
      while in pride flowers be preserved
      himself only Winter-starved.                                
30

 

Why (alas) then doth she swear,
      that she loveth me so dearly
Seeing me so long to bear
      coals of love that burn so clearly,
      and yet leave me helpless merely?                     
35

 

Is that love? Forsooth I trow,
      if I saw my good dog grieved
And a help for him did know,
      my Love should not be believed
      but he were by me relieved.                                 
40

 

No, she hates me, well away,
      feigning love, somewhat to please me
Knowing, if she should display
      all her hate, Death soon would seize me,
      and of hideous torments ease me.                      
45

 

Then, my dear Flock, now adieu,
      but (alas) if in your straying,
Heavenly Stella meet with you,
      tell her in your piteous blaying
      her poor slave's unjust decaying.                     
50

FINIS                             S. Phil. Sidney.
 

 This is the Ninth Song from Astrophel and Stella, 1591.

         

 

NOTES

 

7. can abide to keep no measure = is unable to restrain itself within limits.
8. such one forego = abandon such a one who etc. .
10. mischief's treasure = vast stores of misfortune.
14 -15. This possibly means : Sorrow is only worth proclaiming if it is extreme.
19. persever = persevere, set one's heart against.
timely = appropriate for the time of year, welcome.
20. although I am never given pleasure by you.
21. refused - pronounced refusèd
22. more love proved = demonstrated that there is more love.
23. caitiff = murderous, evil. i.e. she categorises him as being bad because of his desire for her.
29. while in flowers etc. = while Pride (i.e. Stella), is all decked out in flowers.
35. merely = utterly.
36. Forsooth I trow = Indeed I assert that
40. but = unless. I.e. My love could not be counted as love unless I helped my dog.
41. well away, = alas.
49. blaying = bleating.
50. her poor slave's = of her poor slave's.

 

 

Hobbinolls Dittie in prayse of Eliza Queene of the Sheepheards.

   

 
 

Yee dainty Nimphs that in this blessed Brooke
               Doo bathe your brest;
    Forsake your watry Bowers, and hether looke
               At my request.
And you faire Virgins that on Parnasse dwell,
Whence floweth Helicon the learned well :
               Helpe me to blaze
               Her worthy praise,
      Who in her sexe dooth all excell.

Of faire Eliza be your siluer song,
               That blessed wight :
    The flower of Virgins, may she flourish long,
               In Princely plight :
For shee is Syrinx daughter, without spot,
Which Pan the Sheepheards God on her begot :
               So sprung her Grace,
               Of heauenly race :
      No mortall blemish may her blot.

See where she sits vpon the grassie greene,
               O seemely sight :
    Yclad in scarlet, like a mayden Queene,
               And ermines white.
Vpon her head a crimson Coronet,
With Daffadills and Damaske Roses set,
               Bay leaues betweene,
               And Primeroses greene :
      Embellish the sweet Violet.

Tell me, haue ye beheld her Angels face,
               Like Phoebe faire?
    Her heauenly hauiour, her Princely Grace,
               Can well compare.
The red-Rose medled and the white yfere,
In eyther cheeke depeincten liuely cheere.
               Her modest eye,
               Her Maiestie,
      Where haue you seene the like but there ?

I saw Phoebus thrust out his golden head,
               On her to gaze :
    But when he saw how broade her beames did spread :
               It did him maze.
He blusht to see an other Sunne below,
Ne durst againe his fierie face out-show :
               Let him if he dare
               His brightnes compare
      With hers, to haue the ouerthrow.

Shew thy selfe Cinthia with thy siluer rayes,
               And be not abasht,
    When she the beames of her beauty displayes,
               Oh how art thou dasht ?
But I will not match her with Latonaes seede,
Such folly great sorrow to Niobe did breede,
               Now is she a stone,
               And makes deadly moane,
      Warning all other to take heede.

Pan may be proud, that euer he begot
               Such a Bellibone :
    And Sirinx reioyce, that euer was her lot
               To beare such a one.
Soone as my Younglings cryen for the dam,
To her will I offer a milke-white Lamb.
               Shee is my Goddesse plaine,
               And I her Sheepheards Swaine,
      Albe for-swonck and for-swat I am.

I see Calliope speede her to the place,
               Where my Goddesse shines :
    And after her the other Muses trace
               With their Violines.
Bin they not Baie-braunches which they doo beare :
All for Eliza in her hand to wear ?
               So sweetly they play,
               And sing all the way,
      That it a heauen is to heare.

Loe how finely the Graces can it foote,
               to the Instrument :
    They dauncen deffely, and singen soote
               in their merriment.
Wants not a fourth Grace to make the daunce euen ?
Let that roome to my Lady be giuen.
               Shee shall be a Grace,
               To fill the fourth place,
      And raigne with the rest in heauen.

And whether runnes this beuie of Ladies bright,
               Ranged in a roe ?
    They been all Ladies of the Lake behight
               That vnto her goe:
Chloris, that is the chief Nimph of all,
Of Oliue-braunches beares a Coronall :
               Oliues beene for peace
               When warres doo surcease,
      Such for a Princesse beene principall.

Bring hether the Pinke and purple Cullumbine.
               With Gillyflowers
    Bring sweet Carnasions, and Sops in wine,
               Worne of Paramours.
Strew me the ground with Daffa-down-Dillies,
And Cowslips, and Kings-cups, and loued Lillies,
               The pretty Paunce,
               And the Cheuisaunce,
      Shall match with the faire flower-Delice.

Ye Sheepheards daughters that dwell on the greene,
               Hie you there a pace,
    Let none come there but such as Virgins beene,
               To adorne her Grace.
And when you come where as she is in place :
See that your rudenes doo not you disgrace.
               Bind your Fillets fast,
               And gird in your wast :
      For more finenesse with a Tawdrie lace.

Now rise vp Eliza, decked as thou art,
               In royall ray :
    And now ye dainty Damsels may depart,
               Each one her way.
I feare I have troubled your troupes too long :
Let dame Eliza thanke you for her Song.
               And if you come hether,
               When Damsins I gather
      I will part them all, you among.

 

FINIS                             Edm. Spencer

Ye dainty Nymphs that in this blessed brook
               Do bathe your breast;
    Forsake your watery bowers, and hither look
               At my request.
And you fair Virgins that on Parnasse dwell,
Whence floweth Helicon the learned well:
               Help me to blaze
               Her worthy praise,
      Who in her sex doth all excel.                                 
9

 

Of fair Eliza be your silver song,
               That blessed wight.
    The flower of Virgins, may she flourish long,
               In Princely plight :
For she is Syrinx daughter, without spot,
Which Pan the Shepherds God on her begot.
               So sprung her Grace,
               Of heavenly race:
      No mortal blemish may her blot.                           
18

 

See where she sits upon the grassy green:
               O seemly sight,
    Yclad in scarlet, like a maiden Queen,
               And ermines white.
Upon her head a crimson Coronet,
With daffodils and damask roses set,
               Bay leaves between,
               And primroses green
      Embellish the sweet Violet.                                      
27

 

Tell me, have ye beheld her Angel's face,
               Like Phoebe fair?
    Her heavenly haviour, her Princely Grace,
               Can well compare.
The red rose medlied and the white yfere,
In either cheek depeincten lively cheer.
               Her modest eye,
               Her Majesty,
      Where have you seen the like but there?             
36

 

I saw Phoebus thrust out his golden head,
               On her to gaze,
   But when he saw how broad her beams did spread
               It did him maze.
He blushed to see an other Sun below,
Ne durst again his fiery face out-show.
               Let him if he dare
               His brightness compare
      With hers, to have the overthrow.                           
45

 

Shew thy self Cinthia with thy silver rays,
               And be not abashed.
    When she the beams of her beauty displays,
               Oh how art thou dashed?
But I will not match her with Latonae's seed,
Such folly great sorrow to Niobe did breed,
               Now is she a stone,
               And makes deadly moan,
      Warning all other to take heed.                           
54

 

Pan may be proud, that ever he begot
               Such a Bellibone.
    And Sirinx rejoice, that ever was her lot
               To bear such a one.
Soon as my younglings cryen for the dam,
To her will I offer a milk-white lamb.
               She is my Goddess plain,
               And I her sheepherd's Swain,
      Albeit for-swonck and for-sweat I am.                  
63

 

I see Calliope speed her to the place,
               Where my Goddess shines.
    And after her the other Muses trace
               With their Violins.
Bin they not bay branches which they do bear.
All for Eliza in her hand to wear?
               So sweetly they play,
               And sing all the way,
      That it a heaven is to hear.                                     
72

 

Lo how finely the Graces can it foot,
               to the Instrument.
    They dauncen deftly, and singen soote
               in their merriment.
Wants not a fourth Grace to make the dance even?
Let that room to my Lady be given.
               She shall be a Grace,
               To fill the fourth place,
      And reign with the rest in heauen.                       
81

 

And whither runs this bevy of Ladies bright,
               Ranged in a row?
    They been all Ladies of the Lake behight
               That unto her go.
Chloris, that is the chief Nymph of all,
Of Olive-branches bears a Coronal.
               Olives been for peace
               When wars do surcease,
      Such for a Princess been principal.                      
90

 

Bring hither the pink and purple columbine.
               With gillyflowers
    Bring sweet carnations, and sops in wine,
               Worn of paramours.
Strew me the ground with daffa-down-dillies,
And cowslips, and king-cups, and loved Lilies,
               The pretty Paunce,
               And the Chevisaunce,
      Shall match with the faire flower-delice.              
99

 

Ye Shepherds' daughters that dwell on the green,
               Hie you there apace,
    Let none come there but such as Virgins been,
               To adorn her Grace.
And when you come where as she is in place,
See that your rudeness do not you disgrace.
               Bind your Fillets fast,
               And gird in your waist
      For more fineness with a tawdry lace.                  
108

 

Now rise up Eliza, decked as thou art,
               In royal ray.
    And now ye dainty Damsels may depart,
               Each one her way.
I fear I have troubled your troupes too long.
Let dame Eliza thank you for her song.
               And if you come hither,
               When damsons I gather
      I will part them all, you among.                           
117

 

FINIS                             Edm. Spencer
 

 From the fourth Aeclogue of the Shepheardes Calender 1579.

         

NOTES

Hobbinoll = One of the shepherds in Spenser's Shepherd's Calendar.
5. Parnasse = oParnassus - a mountain in Greece sacred to Apollo and the Muses.
6. Helicon = Sacred river flowing from Parnassus. .
7. blaze = show forth, emblazon.
10. Eliza = Elizabeth I Queen of England.
11. wight = creature, human.
10. higher raised = of a higher station in life.
13. plight = condition.
16. Syrinx = These are the pan pipes, but Sp. here seems to have personified them as a goddess. He is perhaps suggesting that Eliza is herself the daughter of music, hence eternally graceful.
21. Yclad = clothed.
29. Phoebe = Artemis or Diana, the goddess of the moon.
30. haviour = behaviour
32. medlied = dappled. yfere = in company together.
31. depeincten = depicted.
37. Phoebus = The god of the sun.
40. maze = amaze.
42. ne durst he = and he did not dare
46. Cinthia = Diana, the goddess of the moon.
50. Latonae = Leto in Greek. The mother of Apollo and Diana.
51. Niobe - She compared her nine children in beauty to those of Leto. As punishment they were all killed and she herself was turned to stone.
56. Bellibone = belle et bonne Fr. fair and beautiful one.
57. Syrinx see note to line 14 above.
63. for-swonck and for-sweat = out-wearied and over sweated.
64. Calliope = The ninth Muse (Greek) who presided over eloquence and heroic poetry.
68. Bin they not = are they not?
75. dauncen deftly and singen soote = dance deftly and sing sweetly.
90. been princpal = is of the greatest importance.
97. Paunce = pansy.
98. Chevisaunce = wallflower.
99. flower-delice = fleur-de-lis.
105. rudeness = coarseness, country ignorance.
106. fillets = headbands, usually ornamental.
108. tawdry lace = a silk band.
110. ray = array.
117. I will share them all out amng you.

 

The Sheepheards Daffadill
 
 

Gorbo, as thou cam'st this way
By yonder little hill,
Or as thou through the fields didst stray,
Saw'st thou my Daffadill ?

 

Shee's in a frock of Lincolne greene,
The colour Maydes delight,
And neuer hath her Beauty seene
But through a vayle of white.

Then Roses richer to behold,
That dresse vp Louers Bowers,
The Pansie and the Marigold
Are Phoebus Paramoures.

Thou well describ'st the Daffadill,
It is not full an hower
Since by the Spring neere yonder hill
I saw that louely flower.

Yet with my flower thou didst not meete,
Nor newes of her doest bring,
Yet is my Daffadill more sweete
Then that by yonder Spring.

 

I saw a Sheepheard that doth keepe
In yonder field of Lillies,
Was making (as he fed his sheepe)
A wreath of Daffadillies.

Yet Gorbo: thou delud'st me still,
My flower thou didst not see.
For know; my pretty
Daffadill Is worne of none but mee.

To shew itself but neere her seate
No Lilly is so bold,
Except to shade her from the heate,
Or keepe her from the cold.

 

Through yonder vale as I did passe
Descending from the hill,
I met a smerking Bonny-lasse,
They call her Daffadill.

Whose presence as a-long she went
The pretty flowers did greete,
As though their heads they downe-ward bent,
With homage to her feete.

And all the Sheepheards that were nie,
From top of euery hill;
Vnto the Vallies loud did crie,
There goes sweet Daffadill.

 

I gentle Sheepheard now with ioy
Thou all my flock doest fill :
Come goe with me thou Sheepheards boy,
Let vs to Daffadill.
         FINIS.          Michaell Drayton.

         

Gorbo, as thou cam'st this way
By yonder little hill,
Or as thou through the fields did'st stray,
Saw'st thou my Daffadill ?
                                         4

 

She's in a frock of Lincoln green,
The colour maids delight,
And never hath her beauty seen
But through a veil of white.
                                        8

 

Than roses richer to behold
That dress up Lover's bowers,
The pansy and the marigold
Are Phoebus paramours.
                                        12

 

Thou well describ'st the Daffadill,
It is not full an hour
Since by the spring near yonder hill
I saw that lovely flower.
                                        16

 

Yet with my flower thou didst not meet,
Nor news of her dost bring,
Yet is my Daffadill more sweet
Than that by yonder spring.
                                      20

 

I saw a Shepherd that doth keep
In yonder field of lilies,
Was making (as he fed his sheep)
A wreath of Daffadillies.
                                        24

 

Yet Gorbo: thou delud'st me still,
My flower thou didst not see.
For know: my pretty Daffadill
Is worn of none but me.
                                        28

 

To show itself but near her seat
No lily is so bold,
Except to shade her from the heat,
Or keep her from the cold.
                                    32

 

Through yonder vale as I did pass
Descending from the hill,
I met a smirking bonny lass,
They call her Daffadill.
                                        36

 

Whose presence as along she went
The pretty flowers did greet,
As though their heads they downward bent,
With homage to her feet.
                                        40

 

And all the Sheepherds that were nigh,
From top of every hill;
Unto the valleys loud did cry,
There goes sweet Daffadill.
                                  44

 

Ay, gentle Sheepherd, now with joy
Thou all my flock dost fill.
Come go with me thou Shepherd's boy,
Let us to Daffadill.
                                               48

FINIS.          Michaell Drayton.

         

 

 First printed in England's Helicon.

Subsequently reprinted as part of The Ninth Eclog in Drayton's Poemes Lyrick and pastorall (1605 ?) and collected Poems 1619.

         

 

NOTES

 

5. Lincoln green - a yellowish light green.
6. maids delight - that pleases maids.
7. And never has her beauty been seen.
12. Phoebus paramours - lovers of the sun. The thought of the stanza seems to be that the pansy and the marigold are more beautiful than the rose.
21. that doth keep - who remains



 

    

   
 

A Canzon Pastorall in honour of her Maiestie.

 

Alas what pleasure now the pleasant Spring
              Hath given place,
To harsh black frosts the sad ground covering,
              Can wee poore wee embrace,
When euery bird on euery branch can sing
Naught but this note of woe alas?
With vs as May, September hath a prime,
Then birds and branches your alas is fond,
Which call vpon the absent Sommer time:
              For did flowres make our May
              Or the Sun-beames your day,
When Night and Winter did the world embrace,
Well might you waile your ill and sing alas.

Loe Matron-like the Earth her selfe attires
              In habite graue,
Naked the fields are, bloomlesse are the brires,
              Yet we a Sommer haue,
Who in our clime kindleth these liuing fires,
Which bloomes can on the briers saue.
No Ice doth christallize the running Brooke,
No blast deflowres the flowre-adorned field,
Christall is cleere, but cleerer is the looke,
Which to our climes these liuing fires dooth yield:
              Winter though euery where
              Hath no abiding heere:
On Brooks and Briers she doth rule alone,
The Sunne which lights our world is always one.

FINIS                             Edmund Bolton

 A Canzon Pastoral in honour of her Majesty.

 

Alas what pleasure now the pleasant Spring
              Hath given place
To harsh black frosts the sad ground covering,
              Can we, poor we, embrace,
When every bird on every branch can sing
Naught but this note of 'woe alas'?
                         6
With us as May, September hath a prime,
           
Then birds and branches your 'alas' is fond,
Which call upon the absent Summer time:
              For did flowers make our May
              Or the sunbeams your day,                       11
When Night and Winter did the world embrace,
Well might you wail your ill and sing 'alas'.

Lo matron-like the earth her self attires
              In habit grave,
Naked the fields are, bloomless are the briers,
              Yet we a Summer have,                             17
Who in our clime kindleth these living fires,
Which blooms can on the briers save.
No Ice doth crystallize the running Brook,
No blast deflowers the flower-adorned field,
Crystal is clear, but clearer is the look
Which to our climes these living fires doth yield:
              Winter though everywhere                      24
              
Hath no abiding here:
On Brooks and Briers she doth rule alone,
The Sun which lights our world is always one.

FINIS                             Edmund Bolton
   

          

 

NOTES

 

Her Majesty - Queen Elizabeth I
The theme of the poem is that the presence of the Sun (Queen Elizabeth) overcomes all sorrow and hardship that the winter might otherwise bring.
6. Naught but - nothing but.
7. September is like May for us, it has its prime season when everyting flourishes.
8. fond - foolish.
10-11. If we relied on flowers and you relied on sun-beams only (rather than on the sight of her majesty).
15. habit grave - gloomy attire or dress.
19. Which can protect blossoms on the briers.
23. yield - give



 

    

   
 

Melicertus Madrigale

 

What are my Sheepe, without their wonted food?
What is my life, except I gaine my Loue?
My Sheepe consume, and faint for want of blood,
My life is lost vnlesse I Grace approue.
             No flower that saplesse thriues,
             No Turtle without pheare.

The day without the Sunne doth lower for woe,
Then woe mine eyes, vnlesse they beauty see:
My Sonne Samelaes eyes, by whom I know,
Wherein delight consists, where pleasures be.
             Nought more the hart reuiues,
             Then to embrace his Deare.

The starres from earthly humours gaine their light,
Our humours by their light possesse their power:
Samelaes eyes fed by my weeping sight,
Infuse my paines or ioyes, by smile or lower.
             So wends the source of loue,
             It feedes, it fails, it ends.

Kind lookes, clear to your Ioy, behold her eyes,
Admire her hart, desire to taste her kisses:
In them the heauen of ioy and solace lyes,
Without them, euery hope his succour misses.
             Oh how I liue to prooue,
             Whereto this solace tends?

FINIS.                           Ro. Greene.

 Melicertus Madrigale

 

What are my Sheep,without their wonted food?
What is my life, except I gain my love?
My Sheep consume and faint for want of blood,
My life is lost unless I grace approve.
             No flower that sapless thrives,
             No turtle without pheare.                        6

The day without the sun doth lour for woe,
Then woe mine eyes, unless they beauty see:
My sun Semele's eyes, by whom I know,
Wherein delight consists, where pleasures be.
             Nought more the heart revives,
             Than to embrace his dear.                   12

The stars from earthly humours gain their light,
Our humours by their light possess their power:
Semele's eyes fed by my weeping sight,
Infuse my pains or joys, by smile or lour.
             So wends the source of love,
             It feeds, it fails, it ends.                         18

Kind looks, clear to your joy, behold her eyes,
Admire her heart, desire to taste her kisses:
In them the heaven of joy and solace lies,
Without them, every hope his succour misses.
             Oh how I live to prove,
             Whereto this solace tends.                  24

FINIS.                           Ro. Greene.
 

 Printed under the same title

in Greene's Menaphon, 1589.

           

 

NOTES

 

1. wonted - customary
2. except - unless.
3. consume - waste away.
4. grace approve - experience her graciousness.
5. No flower that - there is no flower which etc.
6. turtle - turtle dove; pheare - companion, mate.
7. doth lour for woe - looks threateningly, portending sorrow.
9. My sun - my sun is; Semele presumably his sweetheart's name.
11. There is nothing that more revives the heart.
12. dear - beloved.
13. humours - qualities.
16. Pour into me pains or joys, depending on whether she smiles or looks threateningly.
17. wends - proceeds.
22. his succour misses - fails in its fulfilment.
23. live - probably a misprint for love. to prove - to experience
24. to what delight this solace might lead me (?)



 

    

 

   
 

England's Helicon

PASTORAL POEMS

  Introduction Part II Part III PartIV PartV PartVI Part VII
   

 

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