Bob's Byway

JOHN SKELTON

1460? - 1529




TO MISTRESS MARGARET HUSSEY

 * This poem provides an example of Skeltonics.
    Merry Margaret,
        As midsummer flower,
    Gentle as falcon
    Or hawk of the tower:
With solace and gladness,
Much mirth and no madness,
All good and no badness;
            So joyously,
            So maidenly,
            So womanly
            Her demeaning
            In every thing,
            Far, far passing
            That I can indite,
            Or suffice to write
Of Merry Margaret
    As midsummer flower,
Gentle as falcon
Or hawk of the tower.
    As patient and still
And as full of good will
As fair Isaphill,
Coriander,
Sweet pomander,
Good Cassander,
Steadfast of thought,
Well made, well wrought,
Far may be sought
Ere that ye can find
So courteous, so kind
To Skeltonics in the Glossary
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As Merry Margaret,
    This midsummer flower,
Gentle as falcon
Or hawk of the tower.