IN PRAISE OF GARDENS 



One would have thought (so cunningly the rude 

 And scorned partes were mingled with the 



fine) 



That nature had for wantonesse ensude 

 Art, and that Art at nature did repine; 

 So striving each th' other to undermine, 

 Each did the others worke more beautify; 

 So difFring both in willes agreed in fine: 

 So all agreed, through sweete diversity, 

 This Gardin to adorne with all variety. 



And in the midst of all a fountaine stood, 

 Of richest substance that on earth might bee, 



So pure and shiny th^t the silver flood 



Through every channel running one might see ; 



Most goodly it with curious ymageree 



Was overwrought, and shapes of naked boyes, 



Of which some seemed with lively jollitee 

 To fly about, playing their wanton toyes, 

 Whyles others did themselves embay in liquid 

 joyes. 



And over all of purest gold was spread 

 A trayle of yvie in his native hew; 



For the rich metall was so coloured, 



That wight who did not well avis'd it vew 



[32] 



