A Selection from the Lyrical Poems of Robert Herrick

7. TO MISTRESS KATHARINE BRADSHAW, THE LOVELY, THAT CROWNED HIM WITH LAUREL

     My Muse in meads has spent her many hours
     Sitting, and sorting several sorts of flowers,
     To make for others garlands; and to set
     On many a head here, many a coronet.
     But amongst all encircled here, not one
     Gave her a day of coronation;
     Till you, sweet mistress, came and interwove
     A laurel for her, ever young as Love.
     You first of all crown'd her; she must, of due,
     Render for that, a crown of life to you.