Poem by Edmund Spenser

Amoretti 88. Lyke as the culver on the bared bough

Lyke as the culver* on the bared bough
Sits mourning for the absence of her mate,
And in her songs sends many a wishful vow
For his returne, that seemes to linger late,
So I alone, now left disconsolate,
Mourne to my selfe the absence of my Love;
And wandring here and there all desolate,
Seek with my playnts to match that mournful dove
Ne ioy of ought that under heaven doth hove**,
Can comfort me, but her owne ioyous sight,
Whose sweet aspect both God and man can move,
In her unspotted pleasauns to delight.
  Dark is my day, whyles her fayre light I mis,
  And dead my life that wants such lively blis.

[* Culver, dove.]
[** Hove, hover, exist.] 

1. Amoretti 5. Then was the faire Dodonian tree far seene
2. Amoretti 11. Dayly when I do seeke and sew for peace
3. Amoretti 65. The doubt which ye misdeeme, fayre Love, is vaine
4. Amoretti 41. Is it her nature, or is it her will
5. Amoretti 77. Was it a dreame, or did I see it playne?

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