LII.
A STRIFE is grown between VIRTUE and LOVE;
While each pretends that STELLA must be his.
"Her eyes, her lips, her all," saith LOVE "do this,"
Since they do wear his badge, "most firmly prove."
But VIRTUE thus that title doth disprove.
"That STELLA," O dear name! "that STELLA is
That virtuous soul, sure heir of heavenly bliss:
Not this fair outside which our hearts doth move.
And therefore though her beauty and her grace
Be LOVE'S indeed: in STELLA'S self he may
By no pretence claim any manner place."
Well, LOVE! since this demurrer our suit doth stay,
Let VIRTUE have that STELLA'S self; yet thus
That VIRTUE but that body grant to us.
LIII.
In martial sports I had my cunning tried;
And yet to break more stares did me address:
While with the people's shouts, I must confess,
Youth, luck and praise even filled my veins with pride.
When CUPID having me, his slave, descried
In MARS' livery, prancing in the press.
"What now, Sir Fool!" said he (I would no less)
"Look here, I say!" I looked, and STELLA spied;
Who, hard by, made a window send forth light:
My heart then quaked, then dazzled were mine eyes,
One hand forgot to rule, th'other to fight.
Nor trumpets' sound I heard; nor friendly cries;
My foe came on, and beat the air for me:
Till that her blush taught me my shame to see.
