XCII.
[Phebus delightes to view his Lawrel Tree]
Here the Author by comparing the tyrannous delightes and
deedes of blinde Cupid with the honest delightes & deedes
of other his fellow Goddesses and Gods, doth blesse the
time and howre that euer he forsooke to follow him; whom
he confesseth to haue bene greate & forcible in his doings,
though but litle of stature, and in apparence weakelie. Of all
the names here mentioned, Hebe is seldomest redde, wherfore
know they which know it not alreadie, that Hebe (as
Seruius writeth) is Iunoes daughter, hauing no father, & now
wife to Hercules, and Goddesse of youth, and youthlie sporting:
and was cupbearer to Ioue, till she fell in the presence
of all the Goddes, so vnhappelie, that they sawe her priuities,
whereupon Ioue being angry, substituted Ganimedes into
her office and place.
Phebus delightes to view his Lawrel Tree;
The Popplar pleaseth Hercules alone;
Melissa mother is, and fautrix to the Bee;
Pallas will weare the Oliue branche or none;
Of shepheardes and theire flocke Pales is Quene;
And Ceres rypes the corne, was lately greene;
To Chloris eu'ry flower belonges of right;
The Dryade Nimphs of woodes make chiefe accoumpt;
Oreades in hills haue theire delight;
Diana doth protect each bubblinge Fount;
To Hebe louely kissing is asign'd;
To Zephire eu'ry gentle breathing winde.
But what is Loues delight? to hurt each where;
“He cares not whome, with dartes of deepe desire,
“With watchfull iealosie, with hope, with feare,
“With nipping cold, and secrete flames of fire.
O happye howre wherein I did forgoe
This litle God, so greate a cause of woe.
