XXXVII.
[If Ioue himselfe be subiect vnto Loue]
The Author in this passion doth by manner of secret comparison
preferre his beloued before all other women whatsoeuer:
and persuadeth vpon the examples of all sortes of
Goddes (whom loue hath ouertaken at one time or other)
that the worthines of his Mistres being well considered, his
owne fondnes in loue must of force be in it selfe excusable.
If
Ioue himselfe be subiect vnto Loue
And range the woodes to finde a mortall praie:
If Neptune from the seas himselfe remoue,
And seeke on sandes with earthly wightes to plaie:
Then may I loue my peerelesse choise by right,
Who farre excels each other mortall wight.
If Pluto could by loue be drawne from hell,
To yeeld him selfe a silly Virgins thrall:
If Phebus could voutsafe on earth to dwell,
To winne a rustike maide vnto his call:
Then, how much more should I adore the sight
Of her, in whom the heau'ns themselues delight?
If cuntrie Pan might folowe Nymphe's in chase,
And yet through loue remaine deuoyd of blame:
If Satirs were excus'd for seeking grace
To ioy the fruites of any mortall Dame:
Then, why should I once doubt to loue her still,
On whom ne Goddes nor men can gaze theire fill?
