Thomas Humphry Ward, ed. The English Poets. 1880–1918.rnVol. I. Early Poetry: Chaucer to Donne

Sir John Davies (1570–1626)

From Hymnes of Astraea, in Acrosticke Verse: To the Spring

E arth now is green, and heaven is blue,

L ively Spring which makes all new,

I olly Spring, doth enter;

S weet young sun-beams do subdue

A ngry, agèd Winter.

B lasts are mild, and seas are calm,

E very meadow flows with balm,

T he Earth wears all her riches;

H armonious birds sing such a psalm,

A s ear and heart bewitches.

R eserve (sweet Spring) this Nymph of ours,

E ternal garlands of thy flowers,

G reen garlands never wasting:

I n her shall last our state’s fair Spring,

N ow and for ever flourishing,

A s long as Heaven is lasting.