Roses their sharp spines being gone,
Not royal in their smells alone,
But in their hew,
Maiden-Pinks, of odour faint,
Daizies smell-less, yet most quaint
And sweet Time true.
Primrose first born, child of Ver,
Merry Spring time's Harbinger,
With her bels dimm.
Oxlips in their Cradles growing,
Marigolds on death-beds blowing,
Larks-heels trim.
All dear natures children sweet,
Lie fore Bride and Bridegrooms feet, [Strew Flowers.
Blessing their sence.
Not an Angel of the Air,
Bird melodious, or Bird fair,
Is absent hence.
The Crow, the slanderous Cuckooe, nor
The boading Raven, nor Clough h[ee]
Nor chatt'ring Pie,
May on our Bridehouse pearch or sing,
Or with them any discord bring
But from it fly.
Enter three Queens in Black, with vails stain'd, with Imperial Crowns. The first Queen falls down at the foot of Theseus; The second fals down at the foot of Hippolita. The third before Emilia.
1 Qu. For pities sake, and true gentilities,
Hear and respect me.
2 Qu. For your Mothers sake.
And as you wish your womb may thrive with fair ones,
Hear and respect me.
3 Qu. Now for the love of him whom Jove hath mark'd
The honor of your Bed, and for the sake
Of clear Virginity, be Advocate
For us, and our distresses: This good deed
Shall raze you out o'th' Book of Trespasses
All you are set down there.
Thes. Sad Lady rise.
Hip. Stand up.
Emil. No knees to me.
What Woman I may steed that is distrest,
Does bind me to her.