Flower of Song 45 



The first course thus serv'd next follow'd on 

 The faiere nobles, ushering Oberon, 

 Their mighty king, a prince of subtill powre, 

 Cladd in a sute of speckled gilliflowre, 



His cloake was of the velvet flowers, and lynde 

 With Flowre-de-lices of the choicest kinde. 



JVm. Browne: Britannia's Pastorals. 



I am the light fantastic queen of flowers; 



***** 



I weave the silken fringe that, as a vest. 

 Mantles the Fleur-de-lis in glossy down, 

 I scatter gold spots on its open breast. 

 And lift in slender points of dew its crown. 

 I am the light fantastic queen of flowers. 

 My bed is in the bosom of a rose 

 And there I sweetly dream the moonlight hours. 

 While vermiel curtains round my pillows close. 



Percival: The Queen of Flowers. 



My spaniel, prettiest of his race, 



***** 



Now wantoned lost in Flags and reeds, 

 Now starting into sight. 

 Pursued the swallow o'er the meads, 

 With scarce a lower flight. 



Cowper: Dog and Water Lily. 



