A HYMNE TO HERMES.
75
To showe his Oxen. Using Threats to cast
My poore, and Infant powrs, into the Vast
Of ghastlie Tartarus; because he beares
Of strength-sustayning youth, the flaming yeares.
And I, but yesterday produc't to light
By which, it fell into his owne fre sight
That I, in no similitude apper'd
Of powre to be the forcer of a Herde.
And credite me (O Father, since the Grace
Of that name, in your stile, you please to place)
I draue not home his Oxen, no nor preast
Past mine owne threshold; for tis manifest,
I reuerence, with my soule, the Sunn; and all
The knowing dwellers, in this heauenly Hall.
Loue you; obserue the least: and tis most cleare
In your owne knowledge, that my Merits beare
No least guilt of his blame. To all which, I,
Dare adde, heauens great oath, boldly swearing by
All these so well-built Entries of the Blest.
And therefore when I saw my selfe so prest
With his reproches; I confesse I burn'd
In my pure gall; and harsh replie return'd.
Adde your aid to your Yonger then; and free
The scruple fixt in Phœbus Ielousie.
This said; he winckt upon his Mire; and still
His swath-hands, held beneath his arme; no Will
Discernd in him, to hide, but haue them showne.
Ioue laught aloud at his Ingenious Sonne,
My poore, and Infant powrs, into the Vast
Of ghastlie Tartarus; because he beares
Of strength-sustayning youth, the flaming yeares.
And I, but yesterday produc't to light
By which, it fell into his owne fre sight
That I, in no similitude apper'd
Of powre to be the forcer of a Herde.
And credite me (O Father, since the Grace
Of that name, in your stile, you please to place)
I draue not home his Oxen, no nor preast
Past mine owne threshold; for tis manifest,
I reuerence, with my soule, the Sunn; and all
The knowing dwellers, in this heauenly Hall.
Loue you; obserue the least: and tis most cleare
In your owne knowledge, that my Merits beare
No least guilt of his blame. To all which, I,
Dare adde, heauens great oath, boldly swearing by
All these so well-built Entries of the Blest.
And therefore when I saw my selfe so prest
With his reproches; I confesse I burn'd
In my pure gall; and harsh replie return'd.
Adde your aid to your Yonger then; and free
The scruple fixt in Phœbus Ielousie.
This said; he winckt upon his Mire; and still
His swath-hands, held beneath his arme; no Will
Discernd in him, to hide, but haue them showne.
Ioue laught aloud at his Ingenious Sonne,
