| Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900. |
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| John Fletcher. 1579–1625 |
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| 212. Love's Emblems |
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| NOW the lusty spring is seen; | |
| Golden yellow, gaudy blue, | |
| Daintily invite the view: | |
| Everywhere on every green | |
| Roses blushing as they blow, | 5 |
| And enticing men to pull, | |
| Lilies whiter than the snow, | |
| Woodbines of sweet honey full: | |
| All love's emblems, and all cry, | |
| 'Ladies, if not pluck'd, we die.' | 10 |
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| Yet the lusty spring hath stay'd; | |
| Blushing red and purest white | |
| Daintily to love invite | |
| Every woman, every maid: | |
| Cherries kissing as they grow, | 15 |
| And inviting men to taste, | |
| Apples even ripe below, | |
| Winding gently to the waist: | |
| All love's emblems, and all cry, | |
| 'Ladies, if not pluck'd, we die.' | 20 |
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