Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MASQUE AT THE MARRIAGE OF THE LORD HAYES: FLORA SPEAKS, by THOMAS CAMPION


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MASQUE AT THE MARRIAGE OF THE LORD HAYES: FLORA SPEAKS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Flowers and good wishes flora doth present
Last Line: Off'ring your marriage song with changes new.


Flowers and good wishes Flora doth present,
Sweet flowers, the ceremonious ornament
Of maiden marriage, Beauty figuring,
And blooming youth; which though we careless fling
About this sacred place, let none profane
Think that these fruits from common hills are ta'en,
Or vulgar vallies which do subject lie
To winter's wrath and cold mortality.
But these are hallowed and immortal flowers
With Flora's hands gathered from Flora's bowers.
Such are her presents, endless as her love,
And such for ever may this night's joy prove.
Zeph. For ever endless may this night's joy prove!
So echoes Zephyrus the friend of Love,
Whose aid Venus implores when she doth bring
Into the naked world the green-leaved spring.
When of the sun's warm beams the nets we weave
That can the stubborn'st heart with love deceive.
That Queen of Beauty and Desire by me
Breathes gently forth this bridal prophecy:
Faithful and fruitful shall these bedmates prove,
Blest in their fortunes, honoured in their love.
Flor. All grace this night, and, Sylvans, so must you,
Off'ring your marriage song with changes new.





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