XVI.
In nature apt to like, when I did see
Beauties which were of many carats fine;
My boiling sprites did thither soon incline,
And, LOVE! I thought that I was full of thee.
But finding not those restless flames in me,
Which others said did make their souls to pine:
I thought those babes, of some pin's hurt did whine;
By my soul judging what love's pains might be.
But while I thus with this lion played,
Mine eyes (shall I say curst or blest?) beheld
STELLA. Now she is named, need more be said?
In her sight, I a lesson new have spelled.
I now have learned love right; and learned even so,
As who by being poisoned doth poison know.
XVII.
His mother dear, CUPID offended late:
Because that MARS grown slacker in her love,
With pricking shot he did not throughly move,
To keep the pace of their first loving state.
The boy refused for fear of MARS' hate;
Who threatened stripes, if he his wrath did prove:
But she, in chafe, him from her lap did shove;
Brake bow, brake shafts: while weeping CUPID sate.
Till that his grandame Nature pitying it,
Of STELLA'S brows, made him two better bows;
And in her eyes, of arrows infinite.
O how for joy, he leaps! O how he crows!
And straight therewith—like wags new got to play-Falls
to shrewd turns; and I was in his way.
