John Milton(1608–1674)
Song ("Sabrina fair")
Sabrina fair,
Listen where thou art sitting
U n d e r the glassy, cool, translucent wave,
In twisted braids of lilies knitting
T h e loose train of thy amber-dropping hair;1
Listen for dear honor's sake,
G o d d e s s of the silver lake,
Listen and save.
Sabrina rises, attended by water-nymphs, and sings.
By the rushy-fringed bank,
W h e r e grows the willow and the osier2 dank,
My sliding chariot stays,halts
Thick set with agate, and the azure sheen3
Of turkis 0 blue, and emerald green,turquoise
That in the channel strays;
Whilst from off the waters fleet,
T h u s I set my printless feet
O'er the cowslip's 0 velvet head,a wildflower's
That b e n d s not as I tread;
Gentle Swain,4 at thy request
I am here.
1645