The Queen of Paphos, Erycine, In heart did rose-cheek'd Adon love, He mortal was but she divine, And oft with kisses did him move; With great gifts still she did him woo, But he would never yield thereto. Then since the Queen of Love by Love To love was once a subject made, And could thereof no pleasure prove, By day, by night, by light or shade, Why being mortal should I grieve, Since she herself could not relieve? She was a goddess heavenly, And lov'd a fair fac'd earthly boy, Who did contemn her deity, And would not grant her hope of joy, For Love doth govern by a fate, That here plants will, and there leaves hate. But I a hapless mortal wight, To an immortal beauty sue; No marvel then she loathes my sight, Since Adon Venus would not woo, Hence, groaning sighs, mirth be my friend Before my life, my love shall end. |