EDMUND SPENSER

And yeeld theyr services unto her will;

Ne thought of thing uncomely ever may

Thereto approch to tempt her mind to ill.

Had ye once scene these her celestial threasures,

And unrevealed pleasures,

Then would ye wonder, and her prayses sing,

That al the woods should answer, and your echo ring..

Open the temple gates unto my love.

Open them wide that she may enter in,

And all the postes adorne as doth behove.

And all the pillours deck with girlands trim,

For to receyve this Saynt with honour dew,

That commeth in to you.

With trembling steps, and humble reverence,

She commeth in, before th' Almighties view ;

Of her ye virgins learne obedience,

When so ye come into those holy places,

To humble your proud faces:

Bring her up to th' high altar, that she may

The sacred ceremonies there partake,

The which do endlesse matrimony make ;

And let the roring Organs loudly play

The praises of the Lord in lively notes ;

The whiles, with hollow throates,

The Choristers the joyous Antheme sing,

That al the woods may answere, and their eccho ring.

Behold, whiles she before the altar stands, Hearing the holy priest that to her speakes, And blesseth her with his two happy hands, How the red roses flush up in her cheekes, And the pure snow, with goodly vermill stayne Like crimsin dyde in grayne :

��119.

�� �