| Herbert J.C. Grierson, ed. (1886–1960). Metaphysical Lyrics & Poems of the 17th C. 1921. |
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| Henry King |
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| 143. A Contemplation upon flowers |
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| BRAVE flowers, that I could gallant it like you | |
| And be as little vaine, | |
| You come abroad, and make a harmelesse shew, | |
| And to your bedds of Earthe againe; | |
| You are not proud, you know your birth | 5 |
| For your Embroiderd garments are from Earth: | |
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| You doe obey your moneths, and times, but I | |
| Would have it ever springe, | |
| My fate would know noe winter, never dye | |
| Nor thinke of such a thing; | 10 |
| Oh that I could my bedd of Earth but view | |
| And Smile, and looke as Chearefully as you: | |
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| Oh teach me to see Death, and not to feare | |
| But rather to take truce; | |
| How often have I seene you at a Beere, | 15 |
| And there look fresh and spruce; | |
| You fragrant flowers then teach me that my breath | |
| Like yours may sweeten, and perfume my Death. | |
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