A HYMNE TO HERMES.
53
That nature had in any worke conuaid)
To forme the Lute: when (smiling) thus he said;
Thou mou'st in me, a note of excellent vse;
Which thy ill forme, shall neuer so seduce
T'euert the good, to be inform'd by it,
In pliant force, of my forme-forging wit.
Then the slowe Tortois, wrought on by his minde,
He thus saluted; All ioy to the kinde
Instinct of nature, in thee; Borne to be
The spirriter of Dances; companie
For feasts, and following Banquets; grac't and blest
For bearing light to all the interest
Claim'd in this Instrument. From whence shall spring
Play faire, and sweet; to which may Graces sing.
A prettie painted cote, thou putt'st on here
(O Tortois) while thy hill-bred vitall sphere
Confines thy fashion; but (surpris'd by me,)
I'le beare thee home; where thou shalt euer be
A Profit to me; and yet nothing more
Will I contemne thee, in my merited store.
Goods, with good parts got, worth and honour gaue:
Left goods, and honors, euery foole may haue.
And since thou first, shalt giue me meanes to liue,
I'le loue thee euer. Virtuous qualities giue
To liue at home with them, enough content;
Where those that want such inward ornaments,
Fly out for outward; their life, made their lode;
Tis best to be at home; Harme lurks abroad:
To forme the Lute: when (smiling) thus he said;
Thou mou'st in me, a note of excellent vse;
Which thy ill forme, shall neuer so seduce
T'euert the good, to be inform'd by it,
In pliant force, of my forme-forging wit.
Then the slowe Tortois, wrought on by his minde,
He thus saluted; All ioy to the kinde
Instinct of nature, in thee; Borne to be
The spirriter of Dances; companie
For feasts, and following Banquets; grac't and blest
For bearing light to all the interest
Claim'd in this Instrument. From whence shall spring
Play faire, and sweet; to which may Graces sing.
A prettie painted cote, thou putt'st on here
(O Tortois) while thy hill-bred vitall sphere
Confines thy fashion; but (surpris'd by me,)
I'le beare thee home; where thou shalt euer be
A Profit to me; and yet nothing more
Will I contemne thee, in my merited store.
Goods, with good parts got, worth and honour gaue:
Left goods, and honors, euery foole may haue.
And since thou first, shalt giue me meanes to liue,
I'le loue thee euer. Virtuous qualities giue
To liue at home with them, enough content;
Where those that want such inward ornaments,
Fly out for outward; their life, made their lode;
Tis best to be at home; Harme lurks abroad:
