Mirrha the mother of Adonis: or, Lustes prodegies. By William Barksted. Horrace. Nansicetur enim pretium, nomenque poetæ. Whereunto are added certaine Eglogs. By L.M.

MIRRHA , The Mother of Adonis . I Sing the ruine of a beautious Maide , White as my paper , or loues fairest Doue . shine bright Apollo , Muse be not affraide , Although thou chauntest of vnnaturall loue . Great is my quill , to bring foorth such a birth , as shall abash the Virgins of our earth . smoake Goulden censors vpon Paphos shrine , drinke deep Lenae●s to this worke of mine . Cupid to Thracia went to heare a Song of Orpheus , to whome euen Tygers came , And left their sauage Nature , if there long they did with hi● sweet Melodie remaine . Wolues lost their preyes , and by signes praid hi●●in● Beasts left the Lyon , and chose him their King . Cecropian Apes did on his musicke waite , Yet of them all , not one could immitate . T is saide when Orpheus dyed , he did descend To the infernall , so the Furies boast : Where now they giue him leaue his eies to bend without all feare , on her whome he once lost , By a regardant looke , but t is not so : Ioue not reseru'd such musicke for belowe , But placed him amongst celestiall stars , To keep the Scorpion , Lyon , Beare from Iars For euer since the fall of Phaeton , that then displaced , them they were at strife For their degrees , till his alluring Tone . who though in death hath the office of his life . Though more diuinely : and where he attracts , More glorious bodies to admire his actes . Faire stranger shape of creature , and of beast , With his concordant tunes , plac'd them in rest . The Dittie was ( and Cupid lent an eare ) Vpon the death of his Euridice : Which still he sung , as if his former feare , Of loosing her was now , or else would be . The Eccho beate the noyse vp to the Spheares , And to his passionate song , Gods bent their eares . It was a signe , he was new come from hell , Their tunes so sad , he immitates so well . Such passion it did strike vpon the earth , that Daphnes roote groan'd for Apollo's wrong : Hermophrodite wept s●ewers and wisht his birth had neuer bin , or that he more had clung To Salmacis , and Clitie grieued in vainet Leueothoes wrong , the occasion of her baine , my wilful eie ( this should the burthen be ) Hath rob'd me of , twice slaine Euridice . Cicnus stil proud though he confuted be , for Phaetons losse , would needs afresh complain● Thinking therewith to singe as sweet as he , but pittiles he sung and dyed in vaine . Eccho was pleas'd with voice resounding brim as proud to loose her shape to answer him . Hether resorted more then wel could heare , but on my Muse , & speake what chansed there Amongst the rest of Vesta-vowed Girles , came ●irrha ( whose thoughts no guile then knew Like a bright diamond circled with pearls , whose radiant eye delt lustre to the hew Of all the dames : whose face so farre aboue though the rest ( beautious all ) vnwounded made loue , loue for neuer since Spiches was made a star did he see nature excel art so far . He chang'd his shape , his wings he oft hath torne , and like a hunter to this nimph he came : With gold tipt Iauelin and a bugle Horne , such as they beare to make the Lyon tame : First did he kisse hir hand , which then did melt with loue 's impression , Cupid the like felt : Stroke dumbe , he stood in an vnwonted guise , such magicke beawtie carries in her eies . At length ( quoth he ) should I not say I loue , I should both Cupid and his Mother wrong : By thee faire Maid a power farre aboue , My heart is the true index of my ●ongue . And by my naked wordes you may discouer , I am not traded like a common Louer . Rare obiects , rare amazements bred , t is true : And their effects are tryed in me by you . My barren braine , can blesse me with no store Of able Epithits , so what praise I giue Makes not you ritcher though it makes me poore● therefore in vaine against the streame I striue , Th' ore curious painter , meaning to excell , Oft marres the worke , the which before was well , And he shall dazeled be , and tyred soone , That leuelleth his shafts to hit the Moone . With this , she turnd her blushing head aside , & vail'd her face with lawne , not halfe so white That euen the blending roses were espyed despight the cloudes , that hid them in despight ●he threw her thin breath through the lawne , and said Leaue gentle youth , do not thus snare a maid I came to Orpheus Song , good then forbeare , It is his tune , not yours can charme mine eare . Let Orpheus learne ( quoth he ) of thee to sing , Bid him charme men Mirrha as thou canst doe : Let him tame Man , that is the Lyons King , And lay him prostrate at his feete belowe , As thou canst doe : nor Orpheus nor the spheares Haue Tones like thee , to rauish mortall eares . Yea , were this Thracian Harper Iudge to tell , ( As thee ) hee 'd sweare he sung not halfe so wel . Nor dying Swans , nor Phebus when he loue 's , equals thy voice ( though he in musicke courts ) and as the God whose voice the firm earth moues making the terrors of the great , hi● sports , Whose first word strooke into the Chaos light : so if that contrary thou take delight , at thy word , darknes would or'e-cloude the ayr● and the fayrest day giue place to thee more faire Fame hath resing'd her lasting Trump to thee , as to the worthyer , then thy fame display : Tell Venus thou art fairer farre then she , For thine own worth becomes thee best to say , Time will stand still , the sunne in motion stay , Sirens be mute to heare thee speake of Mirrha , Thy voice , if heard in the low shades should b● Would a third time fetch back Euridice . Giue eare eternall wonder to a swaine , T was writ in starres that I should see that face : And seeing loue , and in that loue be slaine , if beautie pittie not my wretched case . Fortune and loue , the starres and powers diuine , Haue all be traide me to those eyes of thine . O proue not then more crueller than they , Loues shaftes & fates wheeles , who hath power to stay Stay there ( quoth she ) giue backe those powers their owne or not impose their powerful force on me : Haue I the least word or the least glance thrown To make you attribute what 's destinie Vnto my beautie : if loue and fate you wound , Throw vowes to them , their altars are soone found , Wouldst thou haue me pittie before they doe ? Loue 's blinde , and fortun 's deafe , so am I too . I know not loue , sure t is a subtle thing , I , by these blushes that thy charmes haue raisd T' allay more quiet ▪ tell loues little king , I serue a Mistres he him●elfe hath praisd Though he enuy , a rare and sacred floure , Whom he had will to wrong , but neuer power . Now Cupid hangs the head , and melts in shame , for she did vtter Vestas holy name . And as you see a woman teeming young , bearing the growing burthen of her wo●●b : Missing the dainty she hath lookt for long , falls straight in passionate sicknes pale & dumb ( for seeing she hath lost it ) will not tell , for what she in this forced passion fell . So when his hopes were lost , he would not say , what was the cause , but this to her did laye . Virgin beware that fire within thy brest , to Vesta dedicate do not expire : as she must warie be that is the best to keepe it , it is knowne no lasting fier . The fuell cold fruitelesse Virginitie , which if zeale blow not violent , wil so one die : This stricts a virgins life , and who but knowes , that loue and chastitie , were euer foes . And if ere loue assaile those virgins forts , those Iuory bulwarkes that defend your heart : Though he be king of sportes he neuer sports , when as he wounds , but playes the Tirants part And so much more he wil triumph oure thee , by how much thou contents his deitie : I know you to be chaste , but yet faire Mayd , if ere you loue you le finde what I haue sayd . Sir ( quoth she ) when I loue you shall be mine : but know the time , when you shall claime me your's When as the fire extinct as Vestaes shrine : and Venus leaues to haunt the Papheon bowres , When men are perfect friendes Tigers at peace , Discord in heauen , and powers diuine doe cease , when Fortune sleeps & the north star doth moue when Turtles leaue to mourne their mates , i le loue Ere this was ended , Orpheus song was done , And all the Virgins fell into their rankes , Each tooke their leaue of him , so did the sunne , who now was poasting to the westerne bancke ▪ and the wild beasts , whom he had made more tame , seem'd to depart with reuerence at his name . Each one gaue place to Mirrha as their duetie , She being preferr'd in state , first as in beautie . Now Cupid of her his last leaue doth take , so haue I seene a soule and body part : He begs a chaste kisse for her mothers sake , and vow●s she shall be soueraigne of his heart , But whether he disembling did it , or t wa's fate , ( As extream'st loue , turnes to the direst hate ) Being repulst , but this kisse did inspire , her brest with an infernall and vnnam'd desire . Night like a masque was entred heauens greate hall with thousand torches vshering the way : The complements of parting were done all , & homewards Orpheus chaunteth many alay ; Venus had sent her coach , drawn by a Doue , For little Cupid the great God of loue . & this hath sprung ( as men haue sayen of yore ) For Mirrhas sake he vow'd to loue no more . Blacke as my inck now must my verse commence You blushing girles , and parents siluer-gray : As farre as Trace from vs , so farre from hence goe , that you may not heare me say , A daughter did with an adulterous head , And heauie lust , presse downe her fathers bed , such Songs as these more fit the Tartars cares , had Orpheus sung it , beasts had pour'd out teares ▪ Vnhallowed lust , for loues lies drownd in poison in what blacke ornament shall I attire thee ? Since I must write of thy so sad confusion , shall I say Cupid with his brand did fire thee ? Accuse the Fates , or thee shall I accuse ? Mirrha weepes yet , onely say this my Muse : wise destinie , true loue , and mortall thought , would nere confirme this , the furies brought this She loues her Father , Daughter nere lou'd so , for as her mother lou'd so lou'd she him : Thirsting in fire those softer sweetes to know , Amidst whose waues , Venus in pride doth swim So young she was , yet that her father kist her . Which she so duely lookes for he nere mist her , Yet could he haue conceiu'd as he did after those kisses rellish much vnlike a daughter . Giue to her golde of Ophire Indian shels , Cloath her with Tirian purple skin of beast : Perfume her waies with choice Arabian smells , Present her with the Phoenix in her nest , Delight her eare with song of poets rare , All these with Cyneas might naught compare , " The comfort of the minde being tane away , " Nectar not pleaseth , nor Ambrosia . The feast of Bacchus at this present time , Was by the giddie Menades intended ▪ There Mirrha daunc'd , and Orpheu● sung in rim● crownd with green thirses , now the 〈◊〉 yūhes ended with praise to Bacchus all depart with spright , vnto their feastes , feasts that deuoure the night . for loe , the stars , in trauaile in the skie , brought forth their brightnes to each waking ey● High midnight came , and she to bedward hies , pretending rest , to beguile natures rest : Anon the gloomy gallerie she spies , toward her chamber , and she first that blest , Her care-fild eyes , her farhers picture was Arm'd but the face , although it dumbe , alasse , she ask'd and if he call'd , seeing no reply , she answer'd for her father , and said I. Daughter ( quoth she ) why art thou thus alone ? Let Doues so mourn girle , that hath lost their mates Thine is to come , then prethee cease thy mone , Care shold not dwel with great & high estates . Let her that needs and is not faire at all , Repine at fortune , loue shall be thy thrall , wing'd as he is , and armed thou shalt see , ( I haue the power to giue ) & giue him thee . Father ( quoth she ) and spoke with smaller voice , Nature hath made me yours , yours I must be ▪ You choose my choice , for in you lies my choice , Hereat shee starts as what not feares the guiltie ? Thinking the shadowe knew her double sence , and blushing , in strange feare departeth thence . blaming her selfe , for vttering her blacke fault to him who armed stood gainst her assault . Anon she spies many a you●hfull Lord , In seuerall Tables , each in seuerall guise , Whose pictures they had sent with one accord , To shew their manly features to her eyes , Whose dumb'd perswasiue images were plac'd , To see if any in her lookes were grac'd : But heere in vaine , their faire assayes doe proue for had they spake they could not win her loue . Ouer her Mothers shape a vaile she drew , and weeping , saide : may I nere see thee more : Poore abus'd image , doost not turne thy hew , to see so foule an obiect thee before ? Didst thou but know , what 's sprung from out thy wombe thy shap cold speak , whilst thou thy self stodst dumbe Art would claime Nature in thy heauie woes , thy shape haue limbs , thy limbs be stiff as those . Anon she leapt on it with ardent heate , and full of teares , yet falles vppon her backe : Wishing euen in that griefe the lustfull feate , Were now pe●form'd ( woemen oft longings lack ●own sunck the down , and with so deep impresse ●hat had Hermaphroditus bin there he might ges Salmacis were aganie his prostitute , or one more farre , then to denie her suite . A strange conceite , had now possest hir braine , nie equall to her lust , thought innocent : She gaue vp to desire , and leapes amaine , From the bruisd bed , with bloodie fram'd intent To hang her selfe O , me moste wofull theame . She now espide an hie and sturdie beame : Many staue liu'd to an vnpittied death , who might haue dyed sometimes with famed breath Yet doth she thinke what terror death would be and on her heart , imprints his Character : Faine would she die , yet first would pleased be with damned lust , which death could not deter O sinne ( saies she ) thou must be Natures slaue , In spight of Fate , goe to a pleasing graue . When I haue sin'd , send Ioue a thunder stroake and spare thy chosen tree , the harmlesse Oake . She thinkes againe , and sees nor time nor place , to quench the thirstines of her parched blood : Time still ranne on , with an auerted face , and nothing but her passions did her good . This thought confoundes her , and she is resoul'd In deathes bleake azure armes to be inuoul'd . Fates , you are women , saue your modesties : shee le kill her selfe , you neede but close her eies ●nd like as when some suddaine extasie , ● seisth the nature of a sicklie man , When hee 's discernd to swoune , straite by and by Folke by his ●elpe confusedly haue ran , ●nd seeking with their art to fetch him backe : To many throng , that he the ayre doth lacke , ●o Mirrha's thoughts confusedly did stound her , some adding confort , whilst the rest confound her ●ike to a fountaines head , so shew'd her head , from whence since passion first tooke hold of hir ●wo springs did run ▪ thorow each flowr-fil'd mead & at her lips staid , where shee wisht Cynir Would so haue done : her face with teares run ore , ●ike Hebaes Nectar shew'd , spilt on heauens flore . ●or as the blomes in May the dewe drops beares , 〈◊〉 Mirrha's cheeks look'd sprinkl'd with her tears Her haire , that with such diligence was vsde To be kemb'd vp & did like clowdes appeare Where many spangles , star-like were infus'd , To attend the lustre of so bright ●haire , Whose beames like bright Arachnes web compos● Taught Pallas a new enuie , now vnlosed , hiding her face , yet making it seeme rarer , as blazing Commets traine makes the star faire● Dispaire that teacherh holy ones to die , when as affliction ministers her part : Had breathing now in Mirrha , and well nie , Like Venus , made her graspe a flaming heart . Cupid was borne at Etna , a hot sprite , Whose violence takes edge off from delight . For men deepe louing , oft themselues so waste ▪ that proffer'd dainties , they want power to tast● Digresse no farthe● least thou proue obsceane , but tell by this how Nurse had broke the dore , And trembling both through age and feare , Forgot the naturall sence she had before Yet with her out-cries from the shades of death , ●ald Mirrhas spright , who with vnwilling breath re-enters flesh , scorning to giue it grace , with wonted beautie that adorn'd her face . ●he tooke the haltar , and held vp her chin , chasing her temples with a violent heate : Making her soule returne with torments in , ●as it went out , being come vnto retrait , Nurse heau'd her trembling body on the bed , Where sinking as in graue , she seemed dead : Chast had my verse bin , blessed Mirrhas hap , if here my pen could write thy Epitaph . When hauing gotten ope her heauie eyes , life-mocking death , with a fresh crimson hew , she thus be spake : if there be sorceries , Philters , inchauntments , any furi● new That can inspire with irrelegious fire , The brest of mortall , that vntam'd desire Possesseth me , and all my bodies merrit , Shewes like a faire house , haunted with a spirit . The foure and twentie windes are not so fierce , as what doth blow the fewel in my breast : Not the soft oyle , Appollo did disperse , on Phaitons brow , to keep his sun-beam'd 〈◊〉 From face of heauenly fires , could ought preuai● Gainst raging brands which my poore heart 〈◊〉 scorch'd with materiall flames , wee soone do 〈◊〉 and to purge sins , we imbrace purgatorie . But this a heate that nor in life or death , can render any humor but dispaire : Nor can it with the short cut of my breath , Take hence my shame , that shall suruiue mine heire Nor can the act ( after t is done ) content But brings with it eternall punishment , lesseneth the pleasure of the world to come , giues the iudge leaue , & strikes the guiltie dumb The iealious nurse , did apprehend her straite , yet would extract the quintessence of all : And therefore childe ( quoth she ) vse no deceipt , but tel me freely whence these teares doe fall I am thy nurse , and from my aged brest Thou hadst thy second being , tell the rest . I doe coniure thee , by these siluer haires , which are grown white , the sooner in their cares If any orped witch of Thessalie , haue powre vpon thee , gentle-girle relate : Or if thou haue prophan'd some die●● , wee shall some misticke fires propogate . To attone with them or if with barbarous hand devoy'd of thy first chastitie thou stand ; Vnfold to me griefes vttered finde redresse : fires vndescern'd burn the more pittilesse . Or if the sunne of bewtie shoote at thee his fiery shafts , O tell me and the rather , Because thy confidence shal answer'd be , With this my childe I le hide it from thy father As doth a dying man hold fast what so he grasp so she her feruent armes bout her Nurse claspe and nuzzels once more twixt those dugs her fa●● whilst ore those Ilands flow salt teares apace ▪ That word of father was like Persey's shield , to make the poore maid stone , now nurse doth threat Vnlesse she will in gentle manner yeeld , she would to morrow shew how in a heat She would haue made away her desperate life , and she must tell the man that forc'd that strife within her brest through feare she thus did frame and made her toung the trumpet of her shame . Her voyce halfe stopt with sighes ( O fatal voice ) pronounc'd these words , yet did the accents faile : How blessed is my mother in her choise , How fully she with nature did preuaile . This said , her blushing face sinkes in her shroud like Cinthia muffel'd in an enuious cloud . When loe , the dying taper in his toombe , gaue darknes to it selfe and to the roome . Now had she time to waile , and well she might , Guiltie of sorrow , there might you haue seene : As glow wormes adde a tincture 〈◊〉 the night , Glimmering in pallid fire , vppon some greene , mixt with the dew , so did her eyes appeare , Each goulden glance ioyn'd with a dewy teare , oft shut her eyes , like starres that portend ill , with bloody deluge , they their orbes did fill . The Nurse amated with the latter wordes , whose aged haires stood vp like siluer wire : Knew speech was vaine , where will the scope affords & whi●pering softly , saies childe thy desire I le put into thy armes , sleepe , seize thy head , T is now nights noone , all but the stars seem dead , Our vanities like fire-works will ascend , Vntil they breake , vncertaine where to end , Neuer did mortall with a vicious thought , wish to bring vices Embrion to aforme : But still the prince of darknesse to them brought occasions fore-locke , which they ●ff haue torne . Sin like a Cedar shadowes all our good : Whilst vertues bounded like a narrow flood . As see now , how the occasion of misfortune ; Mirrha's much abus'd-mother did importune . Now came the time , of Ceres sacred rite , and Misteries , when all wiues young and olde Cloathed in vailes , all of transparent white , Kneele to her , and to the Attick priest vnfolde , The firstlings of the fiel'd wreath'd gilded corne , Chaplets of dill , pluckt in a blushing morne , And many such , nor may they husbands see , In nine daies , till they end their misterie . Now nurse was double diligent , watching her time and told old Cyniras a lonely maide Sigh'd for him : and still with cupps of wine betwixt each word his pallat she assaide . Heated with wines , he had the Nurse repaide , and bring to him the Maide that was so faire . Bacchus & Venus , Wine and frolicke lust , are sworne to blood , and keepe togither must . Mirrha no sooner heard this glad reply , but as a poore bird long time in a snare , Ready for fammine and her woe to die , whom an vnskilful fouler vnaware hath guiuen freedome , to her foode doth hast , so Mirrha thought each houre an age was past : In her strict torment ; but being scapt away , her woes forgot , she thinkes vppon her prey . And as she did ascend those staires to lust , in the midway , she heard her father speake : And n●re lay partridge closer to the dust , at sound o' the Faulccons bell , then she too weak To encounter or resist : and feares are such , in loue by loue , that they enccrease loue much . Loue like to Monarkes , hath his state hie reared who euer wil be lou'd , where they are feared . To a hundred seueral passions she doth yeeld , and as we see in Autumne of the yere Some gallant oake stand ready to be feld , vppon whose ribs a hundred wounds appeare Forc'd by the brawnie armes of Hynds vnlithe , who workes a passage to the weeping pith : Vncertaine ( though wind shaken ) where to fall : so stood her mynd doutful of rest at al. Nurse opes the doore , and brings her to the be● the darkenesse of the night abated shame : And leaues her that must leaue her maiden head to the begetter of his owne defame , With faultring hams hauing got twixt the sheetes ▪ In fearefull lust this Prodegiae meetes , He begs a kisse , then blusht she as he spake it , yet he must giue it , shee wants power to take it . Now trembling lay she by her fathers side , like silly doue within the Eagles gripe : Nor doth she vse soft shrikes as doth a bride , ( I meane a maide ) when as the fruite so ripe Of maiden-head , is forced from their wombe , Her fathers armes to her was as a tombe . she dead in pleasure , durst not shew her voice , least Cyniras should know this faire foule choic● But when that Cupid once had whetted her , she twines her lilly stalks about his necke : So clings young Iuie bout the aged oake there , Venus smil● , but frowning Iuno checks . Their stolne delight , no nuptiall tapers shone , No Virgin belt vntyed , but all vndone , the Athenian God , kindled no hallowed fires , darke was the night , suiting to their desires . The morrow came , toyled with wakes and lust , she leaues her father , when as the rising Sun Couering the easterne Pines and mountaine dust , spyed Mirrha from her couch of sin to runne . Then blusht he first , and backward would ha fled And euer since in 's rising hee 's still red , Nere Turkas was at sicke blood more estrang'd , then Mirrha when her chastitie was chang'd . Oft would she leane against her fathers knees , & tie his garter in a true loue 's knot : And then vndoo 't againe , as to shew she were vndone , yet he conceiu'd it not ▪ And woman like that , keep not secrets long , she shewd her loue in dumb shewes with out tung , her lust she knew ( yet hardly it concealde ) like Fayries Treasur's vanish'd if reueal'd . A third night came , darker then shores belowe , when Cyniras ( father of feareful lust ) Willing to see the soule that did bestowe So many pleasures on him ( Ioue is iust ) Did reach a ●ap●● , whose confusiue light , Strucke like a blasting at that horrid sight , The light f●ll from him loathing his defame , things senceles oft are mo●'d , when men not shame At length with bloodie eye fixed on her , out of an Iuorie scabberd hanging by : He drew a monumental Semiter , ●hinking with death that both their 〈…〉 But night that oft befriended her with sinne , ●n her blacke wombe too , did her freedome 〈◊〉 ▪ For through the darke she slipt , and 〈…〉 to mourne his Fa●e , not execute his 〈◊〉 . Sped with her lust , and flying thence apace , in feares and trembling , feare doth giue vs eies : For saftie to the Gods , she lifts her face , & her claspt hands to what she now not see 's , ●oues browe was darke , Boetes had amaine Driuen his Oxen to the lower plaine . Phebae fled heauen , her face no tincture beares , Because shee saw a deed , worthie her teares . The morning came , where yet the fatall print of Mirrha lay vpon the pillow : Cynix he Clog'd with distresse , a fathers cursse did hint , vpon that place of foule inchastiti● , the sight of what we loath , breedes loathing more and vertue once renounc'd ingenders store , Leaue we him touz'd in care , for worldly wee , loue to leaue great men in their miserie . Seauen winters nights , she fled before the Moone ( who knew the vnchaste act she had inforc'd ) Through Arabie , in feare she posteth soone , To odorous Panchaia , whose confines diuorc'd Her fathers land ▪ here grew all choicest fumes : That to Ioues temples often men presumes : and on his altars them accumulate , and how they first sprung , here thereof the Fate . Hebae now banish'd from th' A●therian boule vppon a feast day mongst the Gods aboue , Where t was made lawfull , all without controule , might freely drink it chanc'd the Queen of loue Whether she long'd , or enuied Hebaes starre , ( Women are enuious , where they long for nectar ) forc'd her to skinke so much , the iuice ran ore , so that Ioues drinke washt the defiled flore . With this he storm'd , that 's Priests from altars flie streight banish'd Hebae & the world did thinke To a second Chaos they should turned be , the clouds for feare wept ou● th' immortal drinke and on Panchaia there this Nectar f●ll , Made rich th' adiacent lands with odorous smell , and such rare spices to the shoares are giuen , as Ioue would thinke no Nectar were in heauen . There was a Satire rough and barbarous , pleasing his pallat at a trembling spring : Vnder a Beech with bowes frondiferous , though he had seene a nimph or rarer thing Then flesh and blood for in the calmed streame ▪ He saw her eyes like stars , whose raies did gleam● Boue Phoebus farre , and so amazed stood , as if she had bin Goddesse of that flood ▪ and as you see a man that hath bin long Possessed with a furie of the shades : after some prayers and many a sacred song , with blessed signes , the euill spirit vades , so fell his rudenesse from him , and her shine , Made all his earthie parts pure and diuine . O potent loue , great is thy power be falne , That makes the wise mad , & the mad man calme Thus he begins , fairer then Venus farre , If Venus be , or if she be t is thee : Louelie as Lillies , brighter then the starre that is to earth the mornings Mercurie : Softer then Roses , sweeter breath'd then they , blush't boue Aurora , better cloath'd then May . lipt like a cherrie , but of rarer taste , Deuine as Dian , and as fully chaste . Pardon my rude tongue , if I chance to erre , as Hermes selfe might erre being the God of Eloquence : for your bright eye doth beare all earthly blessings in a faire abode , Excuse me if I trip , I meane your weale , Error 's no error , where t is done with zeale . Loue like materiall fires is made to flame : When t is supprest ▪ with fanning Fires first came With this , the Maid ( so took ) hung down her head wondring that such a shape had such a tongue : able to steale her loue , had she not fled , and from his ardent gripes , her body wrung . Flying like Phebae after strucken deere : and as he follow'd she fled more for feare . Z●phire came foorth , to dally with her haire , while the poore Satire cried stay maide so faire But he on sudden like a subtill Snake , rould in a heape , shootes foorth himself at length : and to his vigorous armes greedie doth take , his yeilding prey , won with his words not strength To be a woman , is by nature giuen , But to be constant , is a star , which heauen Hath seald on their sex forehead as a signe , That constancie in women is diuine . Thou didst deceiue me Mirrha , when I saide , thou flew'st for feare , thou gau'st me cause to fear and I might iustlie haue this gainst thee laide , thou wents● t'auide by pathes that were so nere Who begin , ill most often end in ill , and she that doth her first pure youth so spill In lawles lust though made a wife to one , Remaines like wax for each impression . But see the goodnesse of the Deities , who still with grace preuents our ill presage , This groue was hallow'd to no Hiadres , but chast Diana , who with violent rage Discending from her towre of Christalline , To keepe the place still sacred and diuine : against her rites , brought with her thereupon white Poplar from the banckes of Acheron : Then wi●h a charme , that did her face eclips , And made her crescent quak , the iuice she powers Vpon the Satirs face , and prophane lipps , which quickly ouer all his body showers , Her borrow'd power of art being finished : ( Deriued from Phoebus as her light ) she saide , Nine-times the holy time , which spok will clere , all prophane matter , and this spake she there . Sleepe Poplar sleepe , that was the Satirs name , who had bin long a king within these woods , Since thou my sacred Groue , gan to prophane : a sleepe seize on thee , still as stigian floods , by Stix I vow the partiall destenies , Did they conspire , shold nere vnclaspe thine eies . hauing thus said , the Satire vanisht so , as mens prospect that from a mirrour goe . I thinke ( quoth she ) accursed is this place , for heere the man , for whome I sorrow now , Heedelesse Acteon with immodest face , saw all our naked and did ouer-vewe : As men rich iuells doe , thinking there lies yet some rare vertue hidden from their eyes : And euen there quoth shee & then did point , reuen'gd , I saw his hounds teare ioint from ioint . But since saies she , thou as a King didst reigne , and art a Trophey too of Dians power : Thus much the Goddesse of the floods doth deign wood to change thy shape , into a vertick flower . Then thrice three words , thrice striking charmed The ground did crannie , and there out of hand , appeared greene Poplar , younger then before , which bow'd the head & dyan did adore . The pa●efac'd Mirrha sat like guiltie spright , fore the infernall iudge , yet did not see Diana great , for dull are mortalls sight , ( and all inuisible is chastitie ) But heard a voice as she was vanishing , saying defild maide , doost wonder at this thing ▪ O Mirrha 〈◊〉 my crescents beautie change , thou shalt be turn'd into a shape as strange . With this the verdant new sprung Poplar plant ( moou'd with the winde ) seemd to bow down the head as cheering Mirrha , who did comfort want being amaz'd at what Diana saide , Hauing recouer'd sence , she flies the place , For feare of Phebaes comming to the chace : to Saba land she hies , where all affraide , my muse shall sing the downfall of the Maide . Then first hung downe Poplar his heauie braine , for Mirrha's losse , whose loue brought him that blew ●nd for he once in woods a King did raigne , a crowne hee still wear●s , richly wrought with ●nd yellow eke , as figures both of loue , Which Venus dropt downe him from aboue . Bacchus doth loue him , for in feasts of wine , ●he weares a poplar Garland mixt with vine . The leaden God of sleepe , on his iuice feede , the vertues of him , sundry doe declare● His suddain taste a heauinesse doth breede , and drownes in rest , sences opprest with care , ●n places farre remote , he loues to growe , ●nd eke by riuers that runne thicke and slowe , where drowsilie this woodish demie God , with euerie gale of winde his head doth nod . Now to proceede after a small repose , that the accursed seede gan swell her wombe , when her drie brain , no more teares could expose she weayting for a sad and heauie dombe . For often men offending , still doe feare , Though Ioue be farre off , yet his iudgements ner● downe would she sit , and so vnfolde her moane● that Eccho sight hirs and forgot her owne Distressed twixt the teadiousnesse of life , and trembling feare of death , she thus began : For when we cease to be the crimes are rife , which youth committed , and before vs then . For aged memorie doth clasp't containe , Those shapes of sin , which hot blood held as vai●● O cursed Fates quoth she ▪ that brought to passe● this prodegie twixt me and Cyniras . O leaue to leape for ioy , thou prettie childe , to Heare of Cyniras , or i le leaue rather : To speake of him , whose bed I haue defilde , & made him proue thy Grandsire & thy father Was ● predestin'd to select no other , But fated for the sister and the Mother . of thee my babe , heauen here hath beene sinister the childe shall call his grandsire , son his mother sister Oft doe two Roses grow out from one stem , and one of them is full blowne fore the other , So fares it now with thee my virgin iem , whome nature would call sonne but shame saies brother Shall I not blush when thou art ripe , to gather The circumstances of who was thy Father , yes sure I shall , yet shame forgets all shame , I le charge thy father of a heauenly name . But oh , I feare me least some Prodegie , the heauens agree , that I to light should bring : to fright ee'n the yron age , that chastitie might take example by my suffering . That I a monster-mother should be made , If soe , O ouer equall Gods , let Mirrha fade into some shape , worthy your high deuice , Pitty to me , would make Ioue seeme vnwise . Alter O Gods , death that is due to birth , nor let the dead repine , that I should see Eliziums blest shades , nor the men of earth annoided be with my impuritie , Let them enioy the fieldes , and learned Songes , Of hye brow'd Orphens , let the v●flesht thronges that haue deseru'd this , and much more be glad , my starres , my double life , and fate , are sad . You wearyed race of Danans vnblest girles , In vaine leaue off your vnwomb'd tubs to fill , & with your teares that staynd the Indyan pearles , Weepe out or Mirrha , and ere night you will at my sad story orebrim with your teares , Your whirle-poole vessells , which so many yeres return'd no interest , if you well deplore , you 'le drowne in teares , or labour so no more . Conclude my fate , quicke you eternall counsell ▪ or else I feare the nere-erturned dead Clad in the fearefull shapes of night and hell , will rise before the generall day be spred ; and hurrie me in flesh to Acheron , To taste hels torture both in soule and bone : Then blast me thunderer in righteous ire , and I like Semele wil meete thy fire . The Gods to her last wish was tractable . her tongue percullist twice was as she spake : aire was her voice , and Mirrha now notable , to thanke the Gods , her ioynts in s●nder brake . Leaues were her locks , of golden haire bereau'd , her armes long boughes , deem & be not deceiu'd tree gan she be , yet twixt her thing so staid , you could not say she was or tree or maide . First grew her hayre vp like the Summer Corne , or as a blazing starre , whose streames rise vpward & being changd , fell leaues , that vp were borne , by the rude windes , yet had you but haue heard You 'd sware , a sigh for Mirrha's transmigration Had beene decreed by all the windie nation . and euerie Autume , since a thing moste rare , The falling leaues , resemble Mirrha's haire . To barke her yuorie skin polisht congeald , each blew-rig'd current into melting sap , Her nailes to bolssome faire , & what reueal'd with accents sad , the babe yet in her lap . Her fingers twigs , her bright eyes turn'd to gum , Buried on earth , and her owne selfe the toombe . her sences gone , yet this sence did she win , to aye relent , the horror of her sinne . For euen as from a guilty man , that 's pleading for remorse teares follow teares , as hoping to preualie , So from this tree , ( though now a sencelesse course ) flowe pretious teares , as seemes she doth bewaile In death , with euer liuing teares , the act fore-done These Pius drops , made densiue by the sunne , are kept for holy vses , and the Mir , That so distilles , doth beare the name of her . The misbegotten babie , swels the tree , and loathing the defiled wombe sought vent : Th●se panges that mothers haue felt shee , and solemne sighes had issue , as they ▪ d rent , and spoile the shape , she newly had assum'd , But wordes within the close bark were inhumbd Yet wept it out , as it to water would , Or seem'd it mockt Pactolus waues of golde . Till chast Lucina , whome the Poets giue , The mid-wiues power in producing creatures , by whose change we last die , and first doe liue , ( be they not violent each ) she that giues features Forme or takes away , makes foule or faire , Di●cending from her Spheare next to our ayre : with arm●s yspred , vppon the melting mir , brought diuine comfort downe from heauen with her Few wordes she spake , but euery sillable , of power to comfort the afflicted Ghostes : Or any other sencelesse thing make able , doe be●ter deedes then those Alcides boastes , the tree streight craynes , & springs forth the child who the first minut , though his countenance smild cryed out a maine , our first propheticke breath , showes our first houre , is mother to our death . The water Nymphes then caught him tenderly , who laid him streight on the enameled bank●s , and bath'd him with his mothers teares , whereby they made him fairer , and in merry prankes The Ladies call a conuocation there , Some praise his nose , his lips ▪ his eye , his eare , Some his streight fingers , whilst a fist doth sweare his verry breath yet smelleth of the mirre . Another wishes , oh for such a face ! Nor can I blame her though she did wish so : For sure , were I a wench , t 'had bin my case , for nature heere , made both her ioy and woe , And spight that ( but herself ) commendeth none , Of force must say , this was a rarer one Then either nature did , or ere shall make , whose life holdes vp her age , whose deathe's her wrack Eyes like two stars falne from their proper sphears as if they scorn'd the beaten pathes of heauen : Or enuying of beautie of the beares , showne firmer heere , and brighter then the seauen Such was he as was Cupid wont to be In pictures lim'd , and that they may agree , furnish the babe with winges and quiuer light , or from loues God , take wings , and quier quite . Nought may compare with Time in his swift race the babe ere while feeles now youths hot alarms And as in yeares , so beautious grew his face , that he is fit againe for Ladies armes : Nor Cupid now could wound more dames than he That Venus who Captiues all , is not free From her own power , she loue 's Adonis milde , That Mars doth storm , & wish he were no childe Nor Paphos , Amathus nor fishie Guide , delights she now to haunt , nor Etna now Burnes more then her , she roans the wood so wide after her game , that to his game doth bow . And will not heare or see , for eies and eares , If they her heare or see , their vse forbeares Yet she persues , and leaues her power vneuen on heauen & earth , she loues him more than heauen Oft would she say , and bathe those words in tears oh thou faire boy wold God thou loudst like me but sure thou art not flesh , it well appeares , thou we●● the stubborne issue of 〈◊〉 , So hard thou art , then she a sigh would fet , and wish that Vulcan had not made his net , For boy sterous Mars , shee 'd fayner ha' bin sped with this choice floure , claspt in her yron bed . Shee 'd nere haue blusht , them she does make a vow though al the Gods of both worlds had then seen She raveth that she euer lou'd til now , that she might worthily ha bin loues Queene . wel , wel ( quoth she ) thou hast reueng'd the spight which from my accurst Sons bow did fowly light On thy faire Mother , O immortall boy , Though thou be faire , t is I that should be coy . But stay my Muse in thine owne confines keepe , & wage not warre with so deere lou'd a neighbor But hauing sung thy day song , rest & sleepe preserue thy small fame and his greater fauor : His song was worthie merrit ( Shakspeare hee ) sung the faire blossome , thou the withered tree Laurell is due to him , his art and wit hath purchast it , Cypres thy brow will fit . FINIS .