| Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900. |
| |
| John Milton. 1608–1674 |
| |
| 319. To Mr. Lawrence |
| |
| LAWRENCE of vertuous Father vertuous Son, | |
| Now that the Fields are dank, and ways are mire, | |
| Where shall we sometimes meet, and by the fire | |
| Help wast a sullen day; what may be won | |
| From the hard Season gaining: time will run | 5 |
| On smoother, till Favonius re-inspire | |
| The frozen earth; and cloth in fresh attire | |
| The Lillie and Rose, that neither sow'd nor spun. | |
| What neat repast shall feast us, light and choice, | |
| Of Attick tast, with Wine, whence we may rise | 10 |
| To hear the Lute well toucht, or artfull voice | |
| Warble immortal Notes and Tuskan Ayre? | |
| He who of those delights can judge, and spare | |
| To interpose them oft, is not unwise. | |
|
|
