John Milton

To Mr. Lawrence

LAWRENCE of vertuous Father vertuous Son,
    Now that the Fields are dank, and ways are mire,
    Where shall we sometimes meet, and by the fire
    Help wast a sullen day; what may be won
From the hard Season gaining: time will run
    On smoother, till Favonius re-inspire
    The frozen earth; and cloth in fresh attire
    The Lillie and Rose, that neither sow'd nor spun.
What neat repast shall feast us, light and choice,
    Of Attick tast, with Wine, whence we may rise
    To hear the Lute well toucht, or artfull voice
Warble immortal Notes and Tuskan Ayre?
    He who of those delights can judge, and spare
    To interpose them oft, is not unwise.