J Fletcher read by Classic Poetry Aloud:

http://www.classicpoetryaloud.com/

Giving voice to the poetry of the past.

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Love's Emblems

by John Fletcher (1579 – 1625)

Now the lusty spring is seen;

Golden yellow, gaudy blue,

Daintily invite the view:

Everywhere on every green

Roses blushing as they blow,

And enticing men to pull,

Lilies whiter than the snow,

Woodbines of sweet honey full:

All love's emblems, and all cry,

'Ladies, if not pluck'd, we die.'

Yet the lusty spring hath stay'd;

Blushing red and purest white

Daintily to love invite

Every woman, every maid:

Cherries kissing as they grow,

And inviting men to taste,

Apples even ripe below,

Winding gently to the waist:

All love's emblems, and all cry,

'Ladies, if not pluck'd, we die.'

First aired: 28 July 2008

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