The Whole Works of William Browne of Tavistock ... Now first collected and edited, with a memoir of the poet, and notes, by W. Carew Hazlitt, of the Inner Temple |
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 | The Whole Works of William Browne |  |
A crooked measure was their first election,
Because all crooked tends to best perfection.
And as I weene this often bowing measure,
Was chiefly framed for the women's pleasure.
Though like the rib, they crooked are and bending,
Yet to the best of formes they aime their ending:
Next in an (I) their measure made a rest,
Shewing when Loue is plainest it is best.
Then in a (Y) which thus doth Loue commend,
Making of two at first, one in the end.
And lastly closing in a round do enter,
Placing the lusty Shepherds in the center:
About the Swaines they dancing seem'd to roule,
As other Planets round the Heauenly Pole.
Who by their sweet aspect or chiding frowne,
Could raise a Shepherd vp, or cast him downe.
Thus were they circled till a Swaine came neere,
And sent this song vnto each Shepherds eare:
The Note and voyce so sweet, that for such mirth
The Gods would leaue the heauens, & dwell on earth.
The measure and the Song here being ended:
Each Swain his thoughts thus to his Loue cōmended.
Because all crooked tends to best perfection.
And as I weene this often bowing measure,
Was chiefly framed for the women's pleasure.
Though like the rib, they crooked are and bending,
Yet to the best of formes they aime their ending:
Next in an (I) their measure made a rest,
Shewing when Loue is plainest it is best.
Then in a (Y) which thus doth Loue commend,
Making of two at first, one in the end.
And lastly closing in a round do enter,
Placing the lusty Shepherds in the center:
About the Swaines they dancing seem'd to roule,
As other Planets round the Heauenly Pole.
Who by their sweet aspect or chiding frowne,
Could raise a Shepherd vp, or cast him downe.
Thus were they circled till a Swaine came neere,
And sent this song vnto each Shepherds eare:
The Note and voyce so sweet, that for such mirth
The Gods would leaue the heauens, & dwell on earth.
Happy
are you so enclosed,
May the Maids be still disposed
In their gestures and their dances,
So to grace you with intwining,
That Enuy wish in such combining,
Fortunes smile with happy chances.
May the Maids be still disposed
In their gestures and their dances,
So to grace you with intwining,
That Enuy wish in such combining,
Fortunes smile with happy chances.
Here it seemes as if the Graces
Measur'd out the Plaine in traces,
In a Shepherdesse disguising.
Are the Spheares so nimbly turning?
Wandring Lamps in heauen burning,
To the eye so much intising?
Measur'd out the Plaine in traces,
94
Are the Spheares so nimbly turning?
Wandring Lamps in heauen burning,
To the eye so much intising?
Yes, Heauen meanes to take these thither,
And adde one ioy to see both dance together.
And adde one ioy to see both dance together.
Gentle Nymphes be not refusing,
Loues neglect is times abusing,
They and beauty are but lent you,
Take the one and keepe the other:
Loue keepes fresh, what age doth smother.
Beauty gone you will repent you.
Loues neglect is times abusing,
They and beauty are but lent you,
Take the one and keepe the other:
Loue keepes fresh, what age doth smother.
Beauty gone you will repent you.
'Twill be said when yee haue proued,
Neuer Swaines more truly loued:
O then flye all nice behauiour.
Pitty faine would (as her dutie)
Be attending still on beautie,
Let her not be out of fauour.
Neuer Swaines more truly loued:
O then flye all nice behauiour.
Pitty faine would (as her dutie)
Be attending still on beautie,
Let her not be out of fauour.
Disdaine is now so much rewarded,
That Pitty weepes since she is vnregarded.
That Pitty weepes since she is vnregarded.
Each Swain his thoughts thus to his Loue cōmended.
| The Whole Works of William Browne | |