| Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900. |
| |
| Robert Herrick. 1591–1674 |
| |
| 267. To the Willow-tree |
| |
| THOU art to all lost love the best, | |
| The only true plant found, | |
| Wherewith young men and maids distrest, | |
| And left of love, are crown'd. | |
| |
| When once the lover's rose is dead, | 5 |
| Or laid aside forlorn: | |
| Then willow-garlands 'bout the head | |
| Bedew'd with tears are worn. | |
| |
| When with neglect, the lovers' bane, | |
| Poor maids rewarded be | 10 |
| For their love lost, their only gain | |
| Is but a wreath from thee. | |
| |
| And underneath thy cooling shade, | |
| When weary of the light, | |
| The love-spent youth and love-sick maid | 15 |
| Come to weep out the night. | |
|
|
