The cowslip is a country wench.

The cowslip is a country wench.

The first wan cowslip, wet
With tears of the first morn.

The first wan cowslip, wet
With tears of the first morn.

Thus I set my printless feet
O'er the cowslip's velvet head,
That bends not as I tread.

Thus I set my printless feet
O'er the cowslip's velvet head,
That bends not as I tread.

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.

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.

The nesh yonge coweslip bendethe wyth the dewe.

The nesh yonge coweslip bendethe wyth the dewe.

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

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

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.

Ilk cowslip cup shall kep a tear.

Ilk cowslip cup shall kep a tear.