XCI.
[Ye captiue soules of blindefold Cyprians boate]
In the latter part of this Sonnet the Authour imitateth those
verses of Horace. Me tabula sacer
Votiua paries indicat vuida
Suspendisse potenti
Uestimenta maris Deo.
Whom also that renowned Florentine M. Agnolo Firenzuola
did imitate long agoe, both in like manner and matter,
as followeth.
O miseri coloro,
Che non prouar di donna fede mai:
Il pericol, ch'io corsi
Nel tempestoso mar, nella procella
Del lor cradel Amore,
Mostrar lo può la tauoletta posta,
E le vesti ancor molli
Sospese al tempio del horrendo Dio
Di questo mar crudele.
Ye
captiue soules of blindefold Cyprians boate,
Marke with aduise in what estate yee stande,
Your Boteman neuer whistles mearie noate,
And Folly keeping sterne, still puttes from lande,
And makes a sport to tosse you to and froe
Twixt sighing windes, and surging waues of woe.
On Beawties rocke she runnes you at her will,
And holdes you in suspense twixt hope and feare,
Where dying oft, yet are you liuing still,
But such a life, as death much better were;
Be therefore circumspect, and follow me,
When Chaunce, or chaunge of maners sets you free.
Beware how you returne to seas againe:
Hang vp your votiue tables in the quyre
Of Cupids Church, in witnesse of the paine
You suffer now by forced fond desire:
Then, hang your throughwett garmentes on the wall,
And sing with me, That Loue is mixt with gall.
