University of Virginia Library

Thus when th'vnconstant Lady of the night
Had chang'd her sharpned horns, for an orbe of light,
Kalander (whose occasions grew too strong,
And may not be dispenc'd withall too long)
Takes leaue, and (being equall heauy hearted
With sad Parthenia for his hast) departed.
But Argalus (who neuer yet could owne
Himselfe with more aduantage then alone)
And faire Parthenia (whose well pleas'd desire
Hopes nothing else, if Argalus be by her)
Need not the helpe of any, to augment
The better ioyes of their retir'd content:
Sometimes the curious garden would inuite
Their gentle paces, to her proud delight;
Sometimes the welstor'd Parke would change their pleasure,
And tender to her view, her light foot treasure;
Where th'vnmolested Herd would seeme to stand,
And craue a death at faire Parthenia's hand.
Sometimes their steps would clime th'ambitious Tower,
From whose aspiring top they might discouer
A little commonwealth of land, which none
But Argalus durst challenge as his owne.
Sometimes (for change of pleasure) he would read
Selected stories, whilst her eares would feed
Vpon his lips, and now and then a kisse
Would interpose, like a parenthesis
Betweene their semicircled armes, enclos'd;
(O what dull spirit could be indispos'd
To read such lines!) and whilst vpon the booke
His eyes were fix'd her pleased eyes would look
Vpon the gracefull Reader, and espie
A story farre more pleasing in his eye.