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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A SWEET NOSEGAY: TO HER BROTHER G.W. by ISABELLA WHITNEY

First Line: GOOD BROTHER WHEN A VACANT TIME DOTH CAUSE YOU HENCE TO RYDE
Last Line: YOUR LOVYNG (THOUGH LUCKLESSE) SISTER, IS. W.
Subject(s): WHITNEY, GEOFFREY (1548-1601);

Good Brother when a vacant time doth cause you hence to ryde:
And that the fertyl feelds do make, you from the Cittie byde.
Then cannot I once from you heare nor know I how to send:
Or where to harken of your health and al this would be kend.
And most of me, for why I least, of Fortunes favour fynd:
No yeldyng yeare she me allowes, nor goodes hath me assind.
But styll to friends I must appeale (and next our Parentes deare,)
You are, and must be chiefest staffe that I shal stay on heare.
Wherfore mine owne good brother graunt me when that you ar here:
To se you oft and also hence, I may have knowledge wheare
A messenger to harke unto, that I to you may wryte:
And eke of him your answers have which would my hart delight.
Receave of me, and eke accept, a simple token heare:
A smell of such a Nosegay as I do for present beare.
Unto a vertuous Ladye, which tyll death I honour wyll:
The losse I had of service hers, I languish for it styll.

Your lovyng (though lucklesse) Sister, IS. W.



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