Mel Heliconium :: :: University of Virginia Library

Why Vulcans fire
With Vesta did conspire,
To make the monster Erychthonius:
It was because
Man would not keep Gods Laws,
But run the course that was erroneous.

2

There was no hell,
Nor death till Adam fell,
Nor monster, or deformed Progeny:
Minerva's thigh,
Nor Sols resplendant eye
Did neither cherish, nor such monsters see.

3

Now Vulcan sues
Minerva to abuse,
And to pollute her pure virginity:
So doth the coal
Of lust inflame my soul;
The flesh against the spirit strives in me.

137

4

O if my minde.
Could peace and freedom finde
From inward broils, and Vulcans wanton eye!
O if the fire
Of lust, and all desire
Of earthly things in me would fade and dye!

5

My soul is vext,
And too too much perplext
With angers, fear, and fiery violence;
Which breeds in me
Much strife continually
That darkneth both my judgement and my sence.

6

And how shall I
Resist the tyrannie
Of Vulcan, if I have not arms of strength?
Therefore, O Lord,
Lend me thy conquering sword,
That I may be victorious at length.