University of Virginia Library


205

TO THE AUTHOUR.

Eyther the goddesse drawes her troupe of loues
From Paphos, where she erst was held diuine,
And doth vnyoke her tender-neckèd doues,
Placing her seat in this small papry shrine;
Or the sweet Graces through the Idalian groue,
Led the blest Author in their dauncèd rings;
Or wanton Nymphs in watry bowres haue woue,
With fine Mylesian threds, the verse he sings;
Or curious Pallas once againe doth striue,
With proud Arachne for illustrious glory,
And once againe doth loues of gods reuiue,
Spinning in silken twists a lasting story:
If none of these, then Venus chose his sight,
To leade the steps of her blind sonne aright.
I. B.