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A HYMNE TO VENVS.
Wake, and now say, If I appeare to thee
Like her, that first, thine eyes conceited me.
This started him from sleepe; though deepe, and deare,
And passing promptlie, he enioy'd his eare.
But when his eye saw Venus neck, and eyes,
Whose beauties could not beare the Counterprise
Of any other: downe his owne eyes fell;
Which pallid feare, did from her view repell:
And made him, with a maine respect beside;
Turne his whole person from her state; and hide
(With his rich weede appos'd) his royall face;
These wing'd words vsing; When, at first, thy Grace,
Mine eyes gaue entertainment; well I knew
Thy state was Deified: but thou told'st not true;
And therefore let me pray thee; (by thy Loue
Borne to thy Father, Ægis-bearing Ioue)
That thou wilt neuer let me liue to be
An abiect, after so diuine degree
Taken in fortune; but take ruth on me.
For any Man that with a Goddesse lies;
Of interest in immortalities,
Is neuer long liu'd. She replied; Forbeare
(O happiest of Mortall Men) this feare:
And rest assur'd; that (not for me, at least)
Thy least ills feare fits; no nor for the rest
Of all the Blessed; for thou art their friend;
And so farr from sustaining instant end;
That to thy long-enlarg'd life; there shall spring
Like her, that first, thine eyes conceited me.
This started him from sleepe; though deepe, and deare,
And passing promptlie, he enioy'd his eare.
But when his eye saw Venus neck, and eyes,
Whose beauties could not beare the Counterprise
Of any other: downe his owne eyes fell;
Which pallid feare, did from her view repell:
And made him, with a maine respect beside;
Turne his whole person from her state; and hide
(With his rich weede appos'd) his royall face;
These wing'd words vsing; When, at first, thy Grace,
Mine eyes gaue entertainment; well I knew
Thy state was Deified: but thou told'st not true;
And therefore let me pray thee; (by thy Loue
Borne to thy Father, Ægis-bearing Ioue)
That thou wilt neuer let me liue to be
An abiect, after so diuine degree
Taken in fortune; but take ruth on me.
For any Man that with a Goddesse lies;
Of interest in immortalities,
Is neuer long liu'd. She replied; Forbeare
(O happiest of Mortall Men) this feare:
And rest assur'd; that (not for me, at least)
Thy least ills feare fits; no nor for the rest
Of all the Blessed; for thou art their friend;
And so farr from sustaining instant end;
That to thy long-enlarg'd life; there shall spring
