 | Andromeda Liberata |  |
“Besides, Mars still doth after Venus moue
“Venus not after Mars: because, of Loue
“Boldnesse is hand-maid, Loue not so of her:
“For not because men, bold affections beare
“Loues golden nets doth their affects enfold;
“But since men loue, they therefore are more bold
“And made to dare, euen Death, for their belou'd,
“And finally, Loues Fortitude is prou'd
“Past all, most cleerely; for this cause alone
“All things submit to Loue, but loue to none.
“Celestials, Animals, all Corporeall things,
“Wisemen, and Strong, Slaue-rich, and Free-borne Kings
“Are loues contributories; no guifts can buy,
“No threats can loue constraine, or terrifie
“For loue is Free, and his Jmpulsions still
Spring from his owne free, and ingenious will.
Not God himselfe, would willing loue enforce
But did at first decree, his liberall course:
Such is his liberty, that all affects
All arts and Acts, the minde besides directs
To some wish't recompence, but loue aspires
To no possessions, but his owne desires:
As if his wish in his owne sphere did moue,
And no reward were worthy Loue but Loue.
“Venus not after Mars: because, of Loue
“Boldnesse is hand-maid, Loue not so of her:
“For not because men, bold affections beare
“Loues golden nets doth their affects enfold;
“But since men loue, they therefore are more bold
“And made to dare, euen Death, for their belou'd,
“And finally, Loues Fortitude is prou'd
“Past all, most cleerely; for this cause alone
“All things submit to Loue, but loue to none.
“Celestials, Animals, all Corporeall things,
“Wisemen, and Strong, Slaue-rich, and Free-borne Kings
“No threats can loue constraine, or terrifie
“For loue is Free, and his Jmpulsions still
Spring from his owne free, and ingenious will.
Not God himselfe, would willing loue enforce
But did at first decree, his liberall course:
Such is his liberty, that all affects
All arts and Acts, the minde besides directs
To some wish't recompence, but loue aspires
To no possessions, but his owne desires:
As if his wish in his owne sphere did moue,
And no reward were worthy Loue but Loue.
| Andromeda Liberata | |