Poem by Henry Constable

Damelus' Song to Diaphenia

DIAPHENIA, like the daffadowndilly,
White as the sun, fair as the lily,
    Heigh ho, how I do love thee! 
I do love thee as my lambs
Are belovëd of their dams--
    How blest were I if thou wouldst prove me!

Diaphenia, like the spreading roses,
That in thy sweets all sweets incloses,
    Fair sweet, how I do love thee! 
I do love thee as each flower
Loves the sun's life-giving power,
    For, dead, thy breath to life might move me.

Diaphenia, like to all things blessed,
When all thy praises are expressëd,
    Dear joy, how I do love thee! 
As the birds do love the spring,
Or the bees their careful king,--
    Then in requite, sweet virgin, love me!

1. To the Marquess of Piscat's Soul
2. Of the Nativity of the Lady Rich's Daughter
3. H.C. to the Gentleman Reader
4. To the Blessed Sacrament
5. To St. Mary Magdalen

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