HYMN IX.
To Flora.
E mpress of Flowers! Tell, where away
L ies your sweet Court, this merry May?
I n Greenwich garden alleys!
S ince there the Heavenly Powers do play,
A nd haunt no other valleys.
B eauty, Virtue, Majesty,
E loquent Muses, three times three,
T he new fresh Hours and Graces
H ave pleasure in this place to be,
A bove all other places.
R oses and lilies did them draw,
E re they, divine Astræa saw:
G ay flowers, they sought for pleasure.
I nstead of gathering Crowns of Flowers,
N ow, gather they Astræa's dowers,
A nd bear to heaven, that treasure.