LXXVIII.
O how the pleasant airs of true love be
Infected by those vapours, which arise
From out that noisome gulf, which gaping lies
Between the jaws of hellish JEALOUSY.
A monster! others' harm! self's misery!
BEAUTY's plague! VIRTUE's scourge! succour of lies!
Who his own joy to his own hurt applies;
And only cherish doth with injury!
Who since he hath—by Nature's special grace—
So piercing paws, as spoil when they embrace;
So nimble feet, as stir still though on thorns;
So many eyes, aye seeking their own woe;
So ample ears, that never good news know:
Is it not evil that such a devil wants horns?
LXXIX.
Sweet kiss! thy sweets I fain would sweetly endite:
Which even of sweetness, sweetest sweet'ner art!
Pleasing'st consort! where each sense holds a part;
Which coupling doves guide VENUS' chariot right.
Best charge and bravest retreat in CUPID's fight!
A double key! which opens to the heart.
Most rich, when most his riches it impart!
Nest of young joys! schoolmaster of delight!
Teaching the mean at once to take and give.
The friendly fray! where blows both wound and heal.
The pretty death! while each in other live.
Poor hope's first wealth! hostage of promised weal!
Breakfast of love! But lo! lo! where she is,
Cease we to praise. Now pray we for a kiss?
