Which th’ earth from ugly Chaos’ den upweighed. These he regarded not but did entreat That Jove, usurper of his father’s seat, Might presently be banished into hell, And aged Saturn in Olympus dwell. They granted what he craved, and once again Saturn and Ops began their golden reign. Murder, rape, war, lust, and treachery, Were with Jove closed in Stygian empery. But long this blessed time continued not. As soon as he his wished purpose got He reckless of his promise did despise The love of th’ everlasting Destinies. They seeing it both love and him abhorred And Jupiter unto his place restored. And but that Learning in despite of Fate Will mount aloft and enter heaven gate And to the seat of Jove itself advance, Hermes had slept in hell with Ignorance. Yet as a punishment they added this, That he and Poverty should always kiss. And to this day is every scholar poor; Gross gold from them runs headlong to the boor. Likewise the angry Sisters thus deluded, To venge themselves on Hermes, have concluded That Midas’ brood shall sit in honour’s chair, To which the Muses’ sons are only heir; And fruitful wits, that in aspiring are, Shall discontent run into regions far; And few great lords in virtuous deeds shall joy But be surprised with every garish toy, And still enrich the lofty servile clown, Who with encroaching guile keeps learning down. Then Muse not Cupid’s suit no better sped, Seeing in their loves the Fates were injured. (The end of the First Sestiad) SECOND SESTIAD By this, sad Hero, with love unacquainted, Viewing Leander’s face, fell down and fainted. He kissed her and breathed life into her lips, Wherewith as one displeased away she trips. Yet, as she went, full often looked behind, And many poor excuses did she find To linger by the way, and once she stayed, And would have turned again, but was afraid, In offering parley, to be counted light. So on she goes and in her idle flight Her painted fan of curled plumes let fall, Thinking to train Leander therewithal. He, being a novice, knew not what she meant But stayed, and after her a letter sent, Which joyful Hero answered in such sort, As he had hope to scale the beauteous fort Wherein the liberal Graces locked their wealth, And therefore to her tower he got by stealth. Wide open stood the door, he need not climb, And she herself before the pointed time Had spread the board, with roses strowed the room, And oft looked out, and mused he did not come. At last he came. O who can tell the greeting These greedy lovers had at their first meeting. He asked, she gave, and nothing was denied. Both to each other quickly were affied. Look how their hands, so were their hearts united, And what he did she willingly requited. (Sweet are the kisses, the embracements sweet, When like desires and affections meet, For from the earth to heaven is Cupid raised, Where fancy is in equal balance peised.) Yet she this rashness suddenly repented And turned aside, and to herself lamented