University of Virginia Library


10

SONNET. 3.

[And first, ô Phœbus, when I do descriue]

And first, ô Phœbus, when I do descriue
The Springtyme sproutar of the herbes and flowris,
Whomewith in rank none of the foure do striue,
But nearest thee do stande all tymes and howris:
Graunt Readers may esteme, they sie the showris,
Whose balmie dropps so softlie dois distell,
Which watrie cloudds in mesure suche downe powris,
As makis the herbis, and verie earth to smell
With sauours sweit, fra tyme that onis thy sell
The vapouris softlie sowkis with smyling cheare,
VVhilks syne in cloudds are keiped closs and well,
VVhill vehement Winter come in tyme of yeare.
Graunt, when I lyke the Springtyme to displaye,
That Readers think they sie the Spring alwaye.