The History of Polindor and Flostella With Other Poems. By I. H. [i.e. John Harington] The third Edition, Revised and much Enlarged |
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 | The History of Polindor and Flostella |  |
Thus, prancing forwards, All betimes (ere night)
Approach'd that second Eden of delight,
Flostellas stately'st Home; where round the place
Bow'rs, Meadowes, Groves, as with new Summers face
(Fresh-drest, as 'twere, through new rare influences)
Welcome their Mistress seem'd: from Leavy fences
Birds chant their prayse in Hymenean song,
Each Bush turn'd jolly quire; whilst Flowry throng
Low-bended as 'twere, Cursey-homage showing
(Gale-mov'd) their Pasture-way with perfumes strowing;
Skies smiling round; West, Morn-like blushing, fair,
Bride-cheek'd, as strove Flostellas self to Payr;
Whence Sun did seem to Dart in amorous Blaze
VVelcome, goodnight to both: Thus, on they pass.
VVhen, neer her Mansion, forth th' adjoyning Thick
Small Rustick troop appear'd, cloath'd, furnish'd like
Harvests sons Daughters; sprucely'st trim'd to the Eye;
Men Sickles bore, tost, flourish'd sprightfully,
Whilst Women Rakes; their gallant Hats of straw,
Joyn'd Flowry brooch to each: All deck'd they saw
With wreath'd Wheat-girdles round. But know the Twain
Which led both Sex, as eithers Soveraign
(Fine, jolly payr) were these; the God of Wine,
Bacchus, whose curled head, swoln waft intwine
Grapes Gem-like clusters; in whose hand there show'd
Glass-bottle of Grapes pure and sprightly Blood.
His mate corns Goddess, Ceres, quaintly'st crown'd
With Gold-ear'd sprigs; like Circle did surround
Her wast too, Basket sh' had, adorn'd enrich'd
VVith Fruits gay wealth: Both these (by turns) beseech'd
The Lady tast this from their fuller store,
In country-rhimes; small Earnest 'twas of more;
VVhat Corn and Wine to both should yearly abound,
Fruits of the blisfull Womb, as well as ground.
VVhich Guift most kindly took, with Richest smile,
That sweet'st of Women (back repay'd the while)
From her Town-tenants, who conjoyn'd had made
This rude Masque: Dance forsooth (for cloze) they had
Till whisper'd by Rufin, their dance was yet
Less suited to her Mind, that merry Fit
Was layd aside: Now th' open Gates they view.
Approach'd that second Eden of delight,
Flostellas stately'st Home; where round the place
Bow'rs, Meadowes, Groves, as with new Summers face
(Fresh-drest, as 'twere, through new rare influences)
Welcome their Mistress seem'd: from Leavy fences
Birds chant their prayse in Hymenean song,
Each Bush turn'd jolly quire; whilst Flowry throng
Low-bended as 'twere, Cursey-homage showing
(Gale-mov'd) their Pasture-way with perfumes strowing;
Skies smiling round; West, Morn-like blushing, fair,
Bride-cheek'd, as strove Flostellas self to Payr;
Whence Sun did seem to Dart in amorous Blaze
VVelcome, goodnight to both: Thus, on they pass.
VVhen, neer her Mansion, forth th' adjoyning Thick
Small Rustick troop appear'd, cloath'd, furnish'd like
Harvests sons Daughters; sprucely'st trim'd to the Eye;
Men Sickles bore, tost, flourish'd sprightfully,
Whilst Women Rakes; their gallant Hats of straw,
Joyn'd Flowry brooch to each: All deck'd they saw
With wreath'd Wheat-girdles round. But know the Twain
Which led both Sex, as eithers Soveraign
(Fine, jolly payr) were these; the God of Wine,
Bacchus, whose curled head, swoln waft intwine
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Glass-bottle of Grapes pure and sprightly Blood.
His mate corns Goddess, Ceres, quaintly'st crown'd
With Gold-ear'd sprigs; like Circle did surround
Her wast too, Basket sh' had, adorn'd enrich'd
VVith Fruits gay wealth: Both these (by turns) beseech'd
The Lady tast this from their fuller store,
In country-rhimes; small Earnest 'twas of more;
VVhat Corn and Wine to both should yearly abound,
Fruits of the blisfull Womb, as well as ground.
VVhich Guift most kindly took, with Richest smile,
That sweet'st of Women (back repay'd the while)
From her Town-tenants, who conjoyn'd had made
This rude Masque: Dance forsooth (for cloze) they had
Till whisper'd by Rufin, their dance was yet
Less suited to her Mind, that merry Fit
Was layd aside: Now th' open Gates they view.
| The History of Polindor and Flostella | |