University of Virginia Library

When this edict was openly declar'd
And Venus importunity; none dar'd
To be so much of counsell, as to hide,
And not reveale, where Cupid did abide.
There was an old Nimph of th' Idalian grove,
Grand-child to Faune, a Dryad; whom great Iove
Had ravisht in her youth, and for a fee,
In recompence of her Virginity,
Did make Immortall, and with wisedome fill,
And her endewed with a Prophetick skill,
And knowledge of all Hearbes; she could apply
To every greife a perfect remedy,
Were it in mind, or body, and was sage,
And waighty in her counsell, to aswage
Any disease; she had the goverment
Of the whole Pallace, and was president
Of all the Nimphs, for Venus did commit
Such power, to doe; what ever she thought fit.
She at that time drest Cupid for his smart,
And would have hid his shame with all her heart:
But that she fear'd her Mistresse to displease,
If it should after chance the Dryades
Betray'd her; therefore she durst doe no other,
But to send private word unto his Mother,
Where her sonne was, and how he hid his head,
And groaning lay upon his Mothers bed.
Soone as this newes was brought her, Venus went,
Blowne with the winde, and her owne discontent.
And there began to scold, and rayle, before
She did arrive within the chamber dore.
Are these things honest, which I heare sayes she,
And suiting with our fame and pedegree?
Seducing trisler, have you set at large
Mine enemy, whom I gave up in charge,
That thou shouldst captivate, and set on fire,
With sordid, but unquenchable desire?
But since; that thou mightst the more stubborn prove,
Hast fetter'd her unto thy selfe in love;
Seemes you presume, that you are onely he,
The Chick of the white Hen, and still must be.
And I, by reason of my age, quite done,
Cannot conceive, nor beare another sonne.
Yes know I can, and for thy more disgrace,
I will adopt another in thy place.
I'le take away that wicked stuffe, with which
Thou dost abuse thy betters, and bewitch
Each age, and sexe, and not without delight,
Thine Vncle Mars, and thine owne Mother smite.
Then burne those armes, which were ordain'd to doe
Better exploits, then thou imploy'st them to.
For thou wast ever from thy youth untoward,
And dost without all reverence, or regard,
Provoke thy elders, but Iove, here I wish,
I ne're may eate of a celestiall dish:
Vnlesse I turne this tryumph to offence,
This sweet to sower, this sport to penitence.
But I thus scorned, wither shall I fly?
There is a Matron call'd Sobriety,
Whom I have oft offended, through his vaine
Luxurious riot, yet I must complaine
To her, and at her hands expect the full
Of my revenge, she shall his quiver pull,
Vnhead his arrows, and his Bow unstring;
Put out his Torch, and then away it fling.
His golden locks with Nectar all imbrewd,
Which I from my owne bosome have bedew'd.
His various wings, the Raine-bow never yet,
Was in such order, nor such colours set:
She shall without remorse both cut, and pare,
And every feather clip, and every haire.
And then, and not till then, it shall suffice,
That I have done my wrongs this sacrifice.
Thus full of choler, did she Cupid threat,
And having eas'd her mind, did backe retreat.
But making haste, with this distemper'd looke,
Ceres, and Iuno both, she overtooke:
Who seeing her with such a troubled brow,
Did earnestly demand, the manner how
She came so vext, and who had power to shrowd
Her glorious beauty in so black a clowd.
You cannot chuse but heare, Venus reply'd,
How I have beene abus'd, on every side.
First, when, my limping husband me beset,
And caught Mars, and my selfe, both in his net:
And then expos'd us naked to the eyes
Of Heaven, and the whole bench of Deities.
'Tis a knowne tale; and to make up the jest,
One god, lesse supercilious then the rest,
Told Mars, if those his fetters made him sweat,
He would endure the burthen, and the heat.
Time wore out this disgrace, but now your art
Must drive another sorrow from my heart:
And if you love me, use your best of skill,
To seeke out Psyche, she hath done this ill.
Cupid my sonne, has chose her for his spouse,
That is the onely plague vnto my house.
Lady, said they, alack what hurt is done,
Or crime in this committed by your sonne?
Is this a cause, fit to provoke your spight;
T'impugne his sports, and hinder his delight?
What imputation on your house were layd,
Though he should set his fancy on a Maid?
You may allow his Patent for to passe,
That he may love a blith, and bonny Lasse.
What you forget, that he is well in yeeres,
And tis a comfort to you, that he beares
His age so well; therefore you must not pry
Into his actions so narrowly.
For with what Justice can you disapprove
That in your sonne, which in your selfe you love?
Is't fit, that seeds of love by you be sowne
In others hearts, and banisht from your owne?
You have an interest, in all that's his:
Both prais'd for good, both blam'd for what's amisse.
Remember too, you are his Mother deare:
Held wise, and must give way: thus they for feare
Of Cupids Arrowes, did him patronize.
But Venus scorning that her injuries
VVere no more pittied, her swift Doves did raigne,
And took her way towards the Sea againe.