Strong be thy wallis that about thee standis;
Wise be the people that within thee dwellis;
Fresh is thy ryver with his lusty strandis;
Blith be thy chirches, wele sownyng be thy bellis;
Rich be thy merchauntis in substaunce that excellis;
Fair be their wives, right lovesom, white and small;
Clere be thy virgyns, lusty under kellis:
London, thou art the flour of Cities all.

Thy famous Maire, by pryncely governaunce,
With sword of justice thee ruleth prudently.
No Lord of Parys, Venyce, or Floraunce
In dignitye or honour goeth to hym nigh.
He is exampler, loode-ster, and guye;
Principall patrone and rose orygynalle,
Above all Maires as maister most worthy:
London, thou art the flour of Cities all.

gladdith] rejoice. Troynovaunt] Troja nova or
Trinovantum. fourmeth] appeareth. geraflour] gillyflower. are]
oar. small] slender. kellis] hoods, head-dresses. guye] guide.


William Dunbar. 1465-1520?

20. On the Nativity of Christ

RORATE coeli desuper!
Hevins, distil your balmy schouris!