FRANK LEIGH’S SONG. A.D. 1586
Reading edition
Ah tyrant Love, Megæra’s serpents bearing, Why thus requite my sighs with venom’d smart? Ah ruthless dove, the vulture’s talons wearing, Why flesh them, traitress, in this faithful heart? Is this my meed? Must dragons’ teeth alone In Venus’ lawns by lovers’ hands be sown?
Nay, gentlest Cupid; ’twas my pride undid me; Nay, guiltless dove; by mine own wound I fell. To worship, not to wed, Celestials bid me: I dreamt to mate in heaven, and wake in hell; For ever doom’d, Ixion-like, to reel On mine own passions’ ever-burning wheel.
Devonshire, 1854. From Westward Ho!