The Shepherd's Sun

Fair nymphs, sit ye here by me,
On this flowery green.
While we this merry day do see
Some things but seldom seen.
Shepherds all, now come sit around
On yon chequer'd plain.
While from the woods we hear resound
Some comfort for love's pain.
Every bird sits on his bough.
As brag as he that is the best.
Then sweet Love reveal -how
Our minds may be at rest.
Echo thus replied to me.
Sit under yonder beechen tree.
And there Love shall show thee
How all may be redress'd.

Hark, hark, hark! the nightingale.
In her mourning lay;
She tells her story's woful tale.
To warn ye if she may:
' ' Fair maids, take ye heed of love,
It is a perlous thing;
As Philomel herself did prove.
Abused by a king;
If kings play false, believe no men.
That make a seemly outward show;
But caught once, beware then,
For then begins your woe.

They will look babies in your eyes,
And speak so fair as fair may be;
But trust them in no wise.
Example take by me."
" Fie, fie! " said the threstle-cock,
"You are much to blame,
For one man's fault all men to blot.
Impairing their good name.
Admit you were used amiss
By that ungentle king.
It follows not that you for this,
Should all men's honours wring.
There be good, and there be bad,
And some are false, and some are true;
As good choice is still had
Amongst us men as you.
Women have faults as well as we.
Some say for our one they have three.
Then smite not, nor bite not,
When you as faulty be."

"Peace, peace," quoth Madge-Howlet then.
Sitting out of sight;
' ' For women are as good as men.
And both are good alike."
"Not so," said the little wren,
' ' Difference there may be,
The cock alway commands the hen;
Then men shall go for me. "
Then Robin Redbreast stepping in.
Would needs take up this tedious strife,
Protesting true loving
In either lengthen'd life.
" If I love you, and you love me,
Can there be better harmony?
Then ending contending.

Love must the umpire be."
Fair nymphs, Love must be your guide,
Chaste, unspotted love;
To such as do your thralls betide.
Resolved without remove.
Likewise jolly shepherd swains,
If you do respect,
The happy issue of your pains.
True Love must you direct.
You hear the birds contend for love,
The bubbling springs do sing sweet love.
The mountains and fountains
Do echo nought but love.
Take hands then,. nymphs and shepherds all,
And to this river's music's fall.
Sing true love, and chaste love I
Begins our festival.