XII.
[I Meruaile I, why poets heretofore]
The subiect of this passion is all one with that, which
is next before it: but that the Authour somwhat
more highly here extolleth his ladies excellencie,
both for the singularitie of her voyce, & her wonderfull
arte in vse & moderation of the same. But
moreouer, in this sōnet, the Authour relateth how
after the hearing of his mistris sing, his affection
towardes her by that meanes was more vehemētly
kindled, then it had bin at any time before.
I Meruaile
I, why poets heretofore
Extold
Sic methymnæo gauisus Arione Delphin, Martial. lib. 8.
Arions harp, or Mercuries,
Although the one did bring a fishe to shore,
And th' other as a
Consurgente freto cedit Lyra Cyllenæa Ruff. Fest.
signe adorn'd the skies.
Yf they with me had heard an Angells voice,
They would vnsay thēselues, and praise my choise.
Not Philomela now deserues the price,
Though sweetely she recount her cause of mone:
Nor Phæbus arte in musicall deuise,
Although his lute and voyce accord in one;
Musicke her self, and all the Muses nine,
For skil or voyce their titles may resigne.
O bitter sweete, or hunny mixt with gall,
My hart is hurt with ouermuch delight,
Mine eares well pleas'd with tunes, yet deafe with all:
Through musicks helpe loue hath increast his might;
I stoppe mine eares as wise Vlisses bad,
But all to late, now loue hath made me mad.
