A HYMNE TO HERMES.
83
Whom Ioue, much ioi'd to see; and endlesse stay
Gaue to their knot of friendship. From which date,
Hermes gaue Phœbus, an eternall state
In his affection: whose sure pledge and signe
His Lute was; and the Doctrine so diuine,
Jointly conferd on him. Which well might be
True Symbole of his Loues simplicitie.
On th'other part; Apollo, in his friend
Form'd th'Art of Wisedome; to the binding end
Of his vow'd friendship; and (for further meede)
Gaue him the farr-heard fistularie Reede.
For all these forms of friendship, Phœbus yet
Feard that both forme, and substance were not mett
In Mercurie's intentions: and, in plaine,
Said, (since he saw him, borne to craft and gaine;
And that Ioues will had him the honor done,
To change at his will, the possession
Of others Gods) he fear'd his breach of of vowes,
In stealing both his Lute, and comming Bowes.
And therefore wisht, that what the Gods affect,
Himselfe would witnesse; and to his request
His head Bow; swearing by th'Impetuous flood
Of Styx; that of his whole possessions, not a Good
He would diminish; but therein maintaine
The full content, in which his Minde did raigne.
And then did Maia's Sonne, his fore-head bow:
Making, by all that he desir'd, his vow:
Neuer to pray more vpon any Thing,
Gaue to their knot of friendship. From which date,
Hermes gaue Phœbus, an eternall state
In his affection: whose sure pledge and signe
His Lute was; and the Doctrine so diuine,
Jointly conferd on him. Which well might be
True Symbole of his Loues simplicitie.
On th'other part; Apollo, in his friend
Form'd th'Art of Wisedome; to the binding end
Of his vow'd friendship; and (for further meede)
Gaue him the farr-heard fistularie Reede.
For all these forms of friendship, Phœbus yet
Feard that both forme, and substance were not mett
In Mercurie's intentions: and, in plaine,
Said, (since he saw him, borne to craft and gaine;
And that Ioues will had him the honor done,
To change at his will, the possession
Of others Gods) he fear'd his breach of of vowes,
In stealing both his Lute, and comming Bowes.
And therefore wisht, that what the Gods affect,
Himselfe would witnesse; and to his request
His head Bow; swearing by th'Impetuous flood
Of Styx; that of his whole possessions, not a Good
He would diminish; but therein maintaine
The full content, in which his Minde did raigne.
And then did Maia's Sonne, his fore-head bow:
Making, by all that he desir'd, his vow:
Neuer to pray more vpon any Thing,
