The Metamorphosed Gypsies

Jonson, Ben (1572 - 1637)

Original Text

Ben Jonson, The workes of Benjamin Jonson (London: R. Bishop, sold by A. Crooke, 1640). STC 14754. stc Fisher Rare Book Library (Toronto). Also British Library copy as microfilmed in English Books 1475-1640. Ann Arbor: University Microfilms. P & R 14754 * 20250

1The fairy beam upon you,

2The stars to glister on you;

3 A moon of light

4 In the noon of night,

5Till the fire-drake hath o'ergone you.

6The wheel of fortune guide you,

7The boy with the bow beside you

8 Run aye in the way

9 Till the bird of day,

10And the luckier lot betide you.

11To the old, long life and treasure,

12To the young, all health and pleasure;

13 To the fair, their face

14 With eternal grace,

15And the soul to be lov'd at leisure.

16To the witty, all clear mirrors,

17To the foolish, their dark errors;

18 To the loving sprite,

19 A secure delight;

20To the jealous, his own false terrors.

Notes

5] firedrake: will-o'-the-wisp. Back to Line

7] boy with the bow: Cupid. Back to Line

Publication Start Year

1621

RPO poem Editors

N. J. Endicott

RPO Edition

2RP 1.259.

Rhyme

aabbaccddc