Michael Drayton

The coast was clear.

The coast was clear.

Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is
simply not giving the kiss the attention read more

Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is
simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.

Prince Edward all in gold, as he great Jove had been,
The Mountfords all in plumes, like estridges were read more

Prince Edward all in gold, as he great Jove had been,
The Mountfords all in plumes, like estridges were seen.

As Love and I late harbour'd in one inn,
With proverbs thus each other entertain;
"In love read more

As Love and I late harbour'd in one inn,
With proverbs thus each other entertain;
"In love there is no lack," thus I begin;
"Fair words make fools," replieth he again;
"Who spares to speak doth spare to speed," quoth I;
"As well," saith he, "too forward as too slow";
"Fortune assists the boldest," I reply;
"A hasty man," quote he, "ne'er wanted woe";
"Labour is light where love," quote I, "doth pay";
"Light burden's heavy, if far borne";
Quoth I, "The main lost, cast the by away";
"Y'have spun a fair thread," he replies in scorn.
And having thus awhile each other thwarted
Fools as we met, so fools again we parted.

Here when the labouring fish does at the foot arrive,
And finds that by his strength but vainly he read more

Here when the labouring fish does at the foot arrive,
And finds that by his strength but vainly he doth strive;
His tail takes in his teeth, and bending like a bow,
That's to the compass drawn, aloft himself doth throw:
Then springing at his height, as doth a little wand,
That, bended end to end, and flerted from the hand,
Far off itself doth cast. so does the salmon vaut.
And if at first he fail, his second summersaut
He instantly assays and from his nimble ring,
Still yarking never leaves, until himself he fling
Above the streamful top of the surrounded heap.