Venus her Myrtle, Phoebus has his bays;

Tea both excels, which she vouchsafes to praise.

The best of Queens, the best of herbs, we owe

To that bold nation which the way did show

To the fair region where the sun doth rise,

Whose rich productions we so justly prize.

The Muse's friend, tea does our fancy aid,

Regress those vapours which the head invade,

And keep the palace of the soul serene,

Fit on her birthday to salute the Queen.

Edmund Waller