The works of Sr William Davenant ... Consisting of Those which were formerly Printed, and Those which he design'd for the Press: Now published Out of the Authors Originall Copies |
 |
 |
|
To the QUEEN, upon a New-yeares day.
|
|
 | The works of Sr William Davenant |  |
246
To the QUEEN, upon a New-yeares day.
This day, old Time, doth turne his Annuall Glass,And shakes it, that the Year may swiftly pass:
This day; on which the formost leading-sand
Falls from that Glass, shook by his hasty Hand:
That Sand's th'exemplar Seed, by which we know
How th'Hour's of the ensuing Year will grow.
Awake, great Queen! for as you hide, or cleere
Your Eyes, we shall discrust, or like the Yeare.
Queenes set their Dialls by your beauties light;
By your Eyes learne, to make their own move right;
Yet know, our expectation when you rise
Is not intirely furnish'd from your Eyes;
But wisely we provide, how to rejoyce,
In the fruition of your Breath, and Voice:
Your breath, which Nature the example meant,
From whence our early Blossomes take their scent;
Teaching our Infant-Flow'rs how to excell
(Ere strong upon their stalks) in fragrant smell:
Your voice, which can allure, and charme the best
Most gawdy-feather'd Chaunter of the East,
To dwell about your Pallace all the Spring,
And still can make him silent whilst you sing.
Rise then! for I have heard Apollo sweare,
By that first lustre, which did fill his Spheare;
He will not mount, but make eternall Night,
Unless reliev'd, and cherish'd by your Sight:
Your sight; which is his warmth, now he is old,
His Horses weary, and his Chariot cold.
| The works of Sr William Davenant | |