THE FOREST'S QUEEN

by: Philip Massinger

      ELCOME, thrice welcome to this shady green,
      Our long-wished Cynthia, the forest's queen!
      The trees begin to bud, the glad birds sing
      In winter, changed by her into the spring.
      We know no night,
      Perpetual light
      Dawns from your eye:
      You being near,
      We cannot fear,
      Though death stood by.
       
      From you our swords take edge, our hearts grow bold;
      From you in fee their lives your liegemen hold.
      These groves your kingdom, and our laws your will;
      Smile, and we spare; but if you frown, we kill.
      Bless then the hour
      That gives the power
      In which you may,
      At bed and board,
      Embrace your lord
      Both night and day.
      Welcome, thrice welcome to this shady green,
      Our long-wished Cynthia, the forest's queen!

'The Forest's Queen' was originally published in The Guardian (1633).

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