Thomas Humphry Ward, ed. The English Poets. 1880–1918.rnVol. I. Early Poetry: Chaucer to Donne

Sir John Davies (1570–1626)

From Hymnes of Astraea, in Acrosticke Verse: To the Month of September

E ach month hath praise in some degree;

L et May to others seem to be

I n sense the sweetest Season;

S eptember thou art best to me,

A nd best doth please my reason.

B ut neither for thy corn nor wine

E xtol I those mild days of thine,

T hough corn and wine might praise thee;

H eaven gives thee honour more divine,

A nd higher fortunes raise thee.

R enown’d art thou (sweet month) for this,

E mong thy days her birth-day is;

G race, plenty, peace and honour

I n one fair hour with her were born;

N ow since they still her crown adorn,

A nd still attend upon her.