I am causer of such impression As appeareth wondrous to man's sight: As of flames that, from the starry region, Seemeth to fall in times of the night; Some shoot sidelong, and some down right: Which causeth the ignorant to stand in dread That stars do fall, yet falleth there none indeed. What needeth it to speak of things here below? As fowls, beasts, and fishes in their kind; Of trees, herbs, and stones, how they grow. In which, men sundry and many virtuous find One thing, be ye sure, and think it in your mind: No manner creature may take on him the cure Of these works, but only I, Nature. And, plainly, there is in earth no manner thing That is not partner of my influence; I do provide, for every beast living, Of natural food always sufficience; And give them, also, a manner of prudence Whereby they may naturally ensue Thing that is delectable, and th' other eschew. Who taught the cock his watch hours to observe, And sing of courage with shrill throat on high? Who taught the pelican her tender heart to carve For she nold suffer her birds to die? Who taught the nightingale to record, busily, Her strange entunes in silence of the night? Certes! I, Nature, and none other wight. But if that I should clepe to memory Each strange effect, and every great marvel That I have caused, I ensure you faithfully That rather time than process should me fail. It were your pain, and to me but travail All such matters as now to bring in place; Wherefore, I let pass them till other time and space. But, if ye covet now to know th' effect Of things natural, by true conclusion, Counsel with Aristotle, my philosopher elect; Which hath left in books of his tradition How every thing, by heavenly constellation, Is brought to effect; and, in what manner wise, As far as man's wit may naturally comprise. Wherefore, sith God, of His great largesse Hath thus enriched me with dower of His grace, And made me, as who saith, a worldly goddess, Of duty I can no less do in this case But with heart's joy and entire solace Myself address to do His high pleasures, And to this same move all other creatures.