From ' Lachrymæ Lachrymarum'

(Of the rainbowe, that was reported to be seen in the night over St. James's, before the Prince's death ; and of the unseasonable winter since.) Was ever nightly rainbowe seen ? Did ever winter mourne in greene ? Had that long bowe been bent by day That chased all our clouds away; But now that it by night appeares, It tells the deluge of our teares: No marvell rainbowes shine by night, When suns yshorne do lose their light. Iris was wont to be, of old, Heauen's messenger to earthly mold : And now she came to bring us down Sad news of Henry's better crowne. And as the eastern star did tell The Persian sages of that cell Where Sion's King was borne and lay, And over that same house did stay; So did this western breeze descry Where Henry, prince of men, should die. Lo! there this arch of heavenly state Bais'd to the triumph of his fate; Yet rais'd in dark of night, to showe His glory should be with our woe. And now, for that men's mourning weed, Reports a griefe not felt indeed; The winter weepes and mournes indeed, Though clothed in a summer-weed.