John Reynolds. 16th Cent.

16th Cent.

187                                               A Nosegay

SAY, crimson Rose and dainty Daffodil,
     With Violet blue;
Since you have seen the beauty of my saint,
     And eke her view;
Did not her sight (fair sight!) you lonely fill,
     With sweet delight
Of goddess’ grace and angels’ sacred teint¹
     In fine, most bright?

Say, golden Primrose, sanguine Cowslip fair,
     With Pink most fine;
Since you beheld the visage of my dear,
     And eyes divine;
Did not her globy front, and glistering hair,
     With cheeks most sweet,
So gloriously like damask flowers appear,
     The gods to greet?

Say, snow-white Lily, speckled Gillyflower,
     With Daisy gay;
Since you have viewed the Queen of my desire,
     In her array;

Did not her ivory paps, fair Venus’ bower,
      With heavenly glee,
A Juno’s grace, conjure you to require
     Her face to see?

Say Rose, say Daffodil, and Violet blue,
     With Primrose fair,
Since ye have seen my nymph’s sweet dainty face
     And gesture rare,
Did not (bright Cowslip, blooming Pink) her view
     (White Lily) shine—
(Ah, Gillyflower, ah Daisy!) with a grace
     Like stars divine?