The Shepheardes Complaint A passionate Eclogue, written in English Hexameters: Where vnto are annexed other canceits, brieflie expressing the effects of Loues impressions, and the iust punishment of aspiring beautie. By J. D. [i.e. John Dickenson] |
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[Fields were ouer-spred with floures] |
 | The Shepheardes Complaint |  |
[Fields were ouer-spred with floures]
1
Fields were ouer-spred with floures,Fairest choyce of Floraes treasure:
Where they oft repos'd with pleasure:
Meadowes flourish'd fresh and gay,
Where the wanton heards did play.
2
Springs more cleare than chrystall streames,Seated were the Groues among.
Thus nor Titans scortching beames,
Nor earthes drouth could sheapheards wrong,
Faire Pomonaes fruitfull pride,
Did the budding branches hide.
3
Flockes of sheepe fed on the plaines,Harmelesse sheepe that rom'd at large:
Here and there sate pensiue Swaines,
Waiting on their wandring charge:
Pensiue while their Lasses smil'd,
Lasses which had them beguil'd.
4
Hils with Trees were richly dight,Valleis stor'd with Uestaes wealth:
Both did harbour sweet delight,
Nought was there to hinder health.
Thus did heauen grace the soile,
Not deform'd with workemens toile.
5
Purest plot of earthlie mould,Might that land be iustly named.
Art by Nature was controul'd,
Art which no such pleasures framed:
Fairer place was neuer seene,
Fittest place for beauties Queene.
| The Shepheardes Complaint | |