University of Virginia Library

ELEGIA. 14. In amicam, quod abortivum ipsa fecerit.

VVhat helpes it Woman to be free from warre?
Nor being arm'd fierce troups to follow farre?
If without battle selfe-wrought wounds annoy them,
And their owne priuie weapon'd hands destroy them.
Who vnborne infants first to slay inuented,
Deseru'd thereby with death to be tormented.
Because thy belly should rough wrinckles lack,
Wilt thou thy wombe-inclosed off-spring wrack?
Had ancient Mothers this vile custome cherisht,
All humane kinde by their default had perisht.
On stones, our stocks originall should be hurld,
Againe by some in this vnpeopled world.
Who should haue Priams wealthy substance wonne,
If watry Thetis had her childe fordone?
In swelling wombe her twinnes had [illeg.] kilde?
He had not beene that conquering Rome did build.
Had Venus spoilde her bellies Troyane fruite,
The earth of Cæsars had beene destitute.
Thou also that wert borne faire, had'st decayed,
If such a worke thy mother had assayed.
My selfe that better dye with louing may,
Had seene, my mother killing me, to day.
Why takest increasing grapes from Vine-trees full?
With cruell hand why doest greene Apples pull?
Fruites ripe will fall, let springing things increase,
Life is no light price of a small surcease.
Why with hid irons are your bowels torne?
And why dire poyson giue you babes vnborne?
At Cholcis stain'd with childrens blood men raile,
And mother-murtherd Itis thee bewaile.
Both vnkinde parents, but for causes sad,
Their wedlock pledges veng'd their husbands bad.
What Tereus, what Iason you prouokes,
To plague your bodies with such harmefull strokes?
Armenian Tygers neuer did so ill,
Nor dares the Lyonesse her young whelpes kill.
But tender Damsels doe it, though with paine,
Oft dyes she that her paunch-wrapt child hath slaine.
Shee dyes, and with loose haires to graue is sent,
And who ere see her, worthily lament.
But in the ayre let these words come to nought,
And my presages of no weight be thought.
Forgiue her gratious Gods this one delict,
And one the next fault punishment inflict.