The cowslip is a country wench.

The cowslip is a country wench.

The nesh yonge coweslip bendethe wyth the dewe.

The nesh yonge coweslip bendethe wyth the dewe.

And wild-scatter'd cowslips bedeck the green dale.

And wild-scatter'd cowslips bedeck the green dale.

And by the meadow-trenches blow the faint sweet cuckoo-flowers.

And by the meadow-trenches blow the faint sweet cuckoo-flowers.

Ilk cowslip cup shall kep a tear.

Ilk cowslip cup shall kep a tear.

Through tall cowslips nodding near you,
Just to touch you as you pass.

Through tall cowslips nodding near you,
Just to touch you as you pass.

The even mead, that erst brought sweetly forth
The freckled cowslip, burnet, and green clover,
Wanting the read more

The even mead, that erst brought sweetly forth
The freckled cowslip, burnet, and green clover,
Wanting the scythe, all uncorrected, rank,
Conceives by idleness, and nothing teems
But hateful docks, rough thistles, kecksies, burrs,
Losing both beauty and utility.

The cowslips tall her pensioners be.
In their gold coats spots you see:
Those be rubies, fairy read more

The cowslips tall her pensioners be.
In their gold coats spots you see:
Those be rubies, fairy favors;
In those freckles live their savors.

Yet soon fair Spring shall give another scene.
And yellow cowslips gild the level green.

Yet soon fair Spring shall give another scene.
And yellow cowslips gild the level green.