ABSTRACT
Or with the Westerne Swaines for glory stroue. He sung th'heroicke Knights of Faiery land In lines so elegant, of such command, That had the * Thracian plaid but halfe so well He had not left Eurydice in hell. But e're he ended his melodious song An host of Angels flew the clouds among, And rapt this Swan from his attentiue mates, To make him one of their associates In heauens faire Quire: Where now he sings the praise Of him that is the first and last of dayes. Diuinest Spencer heau'n-bred, happy Muse! Would any power into my braine infuse Thy worth, or all that Poets had before I could not praise till thou deseru'st no more. A dampe of wonder and amazement strooke Thatis attendants, many a heauy looke Follow'd sweet Spencer, till the thickning ayre Sights further passage stop'd. A passionate teare Fell from each Nymph, no Shepheards cheeke was dry, A doleful Dirge, and mournfull Elegie Flew to the shore. When mighty Nereus Queene (In memory of what was heard and seene) Imploy'd a Factor, (fitted well with store) Of richest Iemmes, refined Indian Ore) To raise, in honour of his worthy name A Piramis, whose head (like winged Fame) Should pierce the clouds, yea seeme the stars to kisse, And Mausolus great toombe might shrowd in his. Her will had beene performance, had not Fate (That neuer knew how to commiserate) Suborn'd curs'd Auarice to lye in waite For that rich prey: (Gold is a taking baite) Who closely lurking like a subtile Snake Vnder the couert of a thorny brake, Seiz'd on the Factor by faire Thetis sent, And rob'd our Colin of his Monument.
