The Queen of Paphos Ericine

The Queen of Paphos Ericine,

In heart did rose-cheeked Adone 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 Queene 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 loved a fair faced 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 their leaves hate.

But I, a hapless mortal wight,

To an immortal beauty sue,

No marvel then she loathes my sight,

Since Adone Venus would not woo,

Hence, groaning sighs, mirth be my friend

Before my life, my love shall end.