Edmund Spencer ProthalamionCalm was the day, and through the trembling air
Sweet-breathing Zephyrus did softly play -
A gentle spirit, that lightly did delay
Hot Titan’s beams, which then did glister fair;
When I whom sullen care,
Through discontent of my long fruitless stay
In princes’ court, and expectation vain
Of idle hopes, which still do fly away
Like empty shadows, did afflict my brain),
Walk’d forth to ease my pain
Along the shore of silver-streaming Thames;
Whose rutty bank, the which his river hems,
Was painted all with variable flowers,
And all the meads adorn’d with dainty gems
Fit to deck maidens’ bowers,
And crown their paramours
Against the bridal day, which is not long:
Sweet Thames! run softly, till I end my song.
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