XCIX.
[The haughtie Ægle Birde, of Birdes the best]
This passion is an imitation of the first Sonnet in Seraphine, &
grownded vpon that, which Aristotle writeth
of the
Ægle,
for the proofe she maketh of her birdes, by setting them to
behold the Sonne. After whom
Pliny hath written, as foloweth:
Aquila implumes etiamnum pullos suos percutiens, Subinde cogit
aduersos intueri Solis radios: et si conniuentem humectantemque animaduertit,
præcipitat e nido, velut adulterinum atque degenerem: illum, cuius
acies firma contra steterït, educat.
The
haughtie Ægle Birde, of Birdes the best,
Before the feathers, of her younglinges growe,
She liftes them one by one from out theire nest,
To vewe the Sunne, thereby her owne to knowe;
Those that behold it not with open eye,
She lettes them fall, not able yet to flye.
Such was my case, when Loue possest my mind;
Each thought of mine, which could not bide the light
Of her my Sunne, whose beames had made me blinde,
I made my Will suppresse it with Despight:
But such a thought, as could abide her best,
I harbred still within my carefull brest.
But those fond dayes are past, and halfe forgotte;
I practise now the quite cleane contrary:
What thoughtes can like of her, I like them not,
But choake them streight, for feare of ieopardy;
For though that Loue to some do seeme a Toy,
I knowe by proofe, that Loue is long annoy.
