University of Virginia Library



On a black speck in forme of a starre under a faire Ladies eye.

What prodigie is this to fright
The well-pleas'd sense from its delight?
To see a Starre whose light is turn'd
Into sad black, as if it mourn'd:
When plac'd in such a heaven, where
Nothing but gladnesse can appeare.
'Tis Merope, who yet doth hide
Her glory being stellified.
And blushing at her mortall choyce
When all her sisters doe rejoyce
By Gods embrac't, hath left the skie
To steale more lustre from this eye.
But comming neere that globe of light,
By chance the lids close in the sight,
And so prevent the theft, whereby
Shee is ecclipst eternally.
Nor will shee evermore in heaven
Be seene to make the number seven.
Onely if this fayre one were
But fixt a constellation there
Whence shee descended, 'twere a grace
To be a darke starre on that face
Above the other sixe we see
Shine on the Monsters crooked knee.