I invocate, to grace my Artless labour, The faithful goddess, men call MEMORY (True Poet's treasure, and their Wit's best favour); To deck my Muse with truest poesy! Though Love write well, yet Passion blinds th'affection. _Man ne'er rules right, that's in the least subjection._ Sweet Memory! Soul's life, new life increasing! The Eye of Justice! Tongue of Eloquence! The Lock of Learning! Fountain never ceasing! The Cabinet of Secrets! Caske[t] of Sense! Which governest Nature, teacheth Man his awe! That art all Conscience, and yet rul'st by Law! Bless thou, this Love Song-Air of my best wishes! (Thou art the Parent nourisheth Desire!) Blow, gentle winds! safe land me at my blisses! Love still mounts high, though lovers not aspire. My Poem's Truth! Fond poets feign at pleasure! A loving subject is a Prince's treasure. [Illustration] [Illustration] THE PASSIONS OF LOVE. [Illustration] In Venice fair, the city most admired; Their lived a Gallant, who DAIPHANTUS hight. Right nobly born, well lettered, loved, desired Of every Courtier in their most delight: So full of pleasance, that he seemed to be A man begot in VENUS' infancy. His face was fair, full comely was his feature: Lipped like the cherry, with a wanton's eye: A MARS in anger, yet a VENUS' creature; Made part of CYNTHIA, most of MERCURY: A pitied soul, so made of Love and Hate, Though still beloved, in love unfortunate. Thus made by Nature, Fortune did conspire To balance him, with weight of CUPID'S wings; Passant in Love, yet oft in great Desire; Sudden in Love, not staid in anything. He courted all, not loved: and much did strive To die for Love, yet never meant to wive! As Nature made him fair, so likewise witty; (She not content) his thoughts thus very fickle. Fortune that gained him, placed him in this city, To wheel his head, which she had made most tickle. Fortune made him beloved, and so distraught him! His reins let forth, he fell; and CUPID caught him. Not far from Venice, in an Abbey fair, Well walled about, two worthy Ladies dwelt: Who virgins were, so sweet and debonair, The ground they trod on, of their odour smelt. Two virgin Sisters, matchless in a phere, Had livèd virgins well nigh eighteen year. EURIALÆ, the elder sister's named; The other was URANIA the wise. Nature for making them was surely blamed: VENUS herself, by them all did despise! Such beauties with such virtue! so combined, That all exceeds, yet nought excels their mind.