LXXI.
[Alas deere Titus mine, my auncient frend]
The Authour writeth this Sonnet vnto his very friend, in excuse
of his late change of study, manners, and delights, all
happening through the default of Loue. And here by examples
he proueth vnto him, (calling him by the name of Titus,
as if him selfe were Gysippus) that Loue not onely worketh
alteration in the mindes of men, but also in the very
Gods them selues; and that so farre forth, as first to drawe
them from their Celestiall seates and functions, and then to
ensnare them with the vnseemely desire of mortall creatures,
a Passion ill befitting the maiesty of their Godheads.
Alas
deere Titus mine, my auncient frend,
What makes thee muse at this my present plight,
To see my woonted ioyes enioy their end
And how my Muse hath lost her old delight?
This is the least effect of Cupids dart,
To change the minde by wounding of the heart.
Alcides fell in loue as I haue done,
And layd aside both club and Lions skinne:
Achilles too when he faire Bryses wunne,
To fall from warres to wooing did beginne.
Nay, if thou list, suruey the heau'ns aboue,
And see how Gods them selues are chang'd by Loue.
Ioue steales from skies to lye by Lædaes side;
Arcas descendes for faire Aglaurus sake,
And Sol, so soone as Daphne is espied,
To followe her his Chariot doth forsake:
No meruaile then although I change my minde,
Which am in loue with one of heau'nly kinde.
