| Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900. |
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| Edmund Spenser. 1552–1599 |
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| 79. Whilst it is prime |
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| FRESH Spring, the herald of loves mighty king, | |
| In whose cote-armour richly are displayd | |
| All sorts of flowers, the which on earth do spring, | |
| In goodly colours gloriously arrayd— | |
| Goe to my love, where she is carelesse layd, | 5 |
| Yet in her winters bowre not well awake; | |
| Tell her the joyous time wil not be staid, | |
| Unlesse she doe him by the forelock take; | |
| Bid her therefore her selfe soone ready make, | |
| To wayt on Love amongst his lovely crew; | 10 |
| Where every one, that misseth then her make, | |
| Shall be by him amearst with penance dew. | |
| Make hast, therefore, sweet love, whilest it is prime; | |
| For none can call againe the passèd time. | |
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