Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume VI. Fancy. 1904. | | | | Poems of Fancy: II. Fairies: Elves: Sprites | | The Sirens’ Song | | William Browne (c. 1590–c. 1645) |
| | From the “Inner Temple Masque”
STEER hither, steer your wingèd pines, | |
| All beaten mariners: | |
| Here lie undiscovered mines, | |
| A prey to passengers; | |
| Perfumes far sweeter than the best | 5 |
| That make the phœnix urn and nest: | |
| Fear not your ships, | |
| Nor any to oppose you save our lips; | |
| But come on shore, | |
| Where no joy dies till love has gotten more. | 10 |
| |
| For swelling waves our panting breasts, | |
| Where never storms arise, | |
| Exchange; and be awhile our guests: | |
| For stars, gaze on our eyes. | |
| The compass, love shall hourly sing; | 15 |
| And, as he goes about the ring, | |
| We will not miss | |
| To tell each point he nameth with a kiss. | | | | |
|
|
