When that the sweet and summer frost
Was sparpled by the air,
And while Aurora did begin
Again to earth repair,
That does despoil and take away,
Even by her wholesome streams,
The coverture and mantle broad
Of false confused dreams:
Even at that time, a lady fair
Did to my sight appear,
Resembling right in every point
The season of the year.
She was bedecked with precious pearl
And crowned with orient stones;
Yea, crowned she was with thousand crowns
Of jewels braw, at once.
Who moving softly in herself,
She towards me did walk,
And lovingly beside my side
Did set her down to talk.
And stretching out her pleasant hand,
That hand so long desired,
She sighing, speaking, yield it forth,
And me to speak required—