As You Like It: The Cuckoo

When Daisies pied and Violets blew,
And Lady’s smocks all silver white,
And Cuckow buds of yellow Hue,
Do paint the Meadows with Delight
The Cuckow then on every Tree,
Mocks married Men
for thus sings the Cuckow,
O word of fear,
Unpleasing to a married Ear.
When Shepherd’s pipe on Oaten straws,
And merry locks are Plowmens Clocks,
When Turtles tread Rooks and Daws,
And Maidens bleach their summer Smocks.
The Cuckow then on every Tree,
Mocks married Men
for thus sings the Cuckow,
O word of fear,
Unpleasing to a married ear.