| Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900. |
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| William Shakespeare. 1564–1616 |
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141. Bridal Song
? or John Fletcher. |
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| ROSES, their sharp spines being gone, | |
| Not royal in their smells alone, | |
| But in their hue; | |
| Maiden pinks, of odour faint, | |
| Daisies smell-less, yet most quaint, | 5 |
| And sweet thyme true; | |
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| Primrose, firstborn child of Ver; | |
| Merry springtime's harbinger, | |
| With her bells dim; | |
| Oxlips in their cradles growing, | 10 |
| Marigolds on death-beds blowing, | |
| Larks'-heels trim; | |
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| All dear Nature's children sweet | |
| Lie 'fore bride and bridegroom's feet, | |
| Blessing their sense! | 15 |
| Not an angel of the air, | |
| Bird melodious or bird fair, | |
| Be absent hence! | |
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| The crow, the slanderous cuckoo, nor | |
| The boding raven, nor chough hoar, | 20 |
| Nor chattering pye, | |
| May on our bride-house perch or sing, | |
| Or with them any discord bring, | |
| But from it fly! | |
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