GEORGE WITHER

Lord ! keep me faithful to the trust

Which my dear spouse reposed in me : To him now dead preserve me just In all that should performed be !

For though our being man and wife Extendeth only to this life, Yet neither life nor death should end The being of a faithful friend.

WILLIAM BROWNE, OF TAVISTOCK 240. A Welcome

TX7ELCOME, welcome! do I sing, V * Far more welcome than the spring;

He that parteth from you never

Shall enjoy a spring for ever.

He that to the voice is near

Breaking from your iv'ry pale, Need not walk abroad to hear

The delightful nightingale.

Welcome, welcome, then . . .

He that looks still on your eyes,

Though the winter have begun To benumb our arteries,

Shall not want the summer's sun.

Welcome, welcome, then . . .

He that still may see your cheeks, Where all rareness still reposes, Is a fool if e'er he seeks Other lilies, other roses.

Welcome, welcome, then . . .

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