Part 15 (1/2)

O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 160 O Hymen Hymenaeus.

34.

O'erstep with omen meetest meet The threshold-stone thy golden feet Up, past the polisht panels fleet.

O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 165 O Hymen Hymenaeus.

35.

Within bestrewn thy bridegroom see On couch of Tyrian cramoisy All imminent awaiting thee.

O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 170 O Hymen Hymenaeus.

36.

For in his breast not less than thine Burn high the flames that deepest shrine, Yet his the lowe far deeper lien.

O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 175 O Hymen Hymenaeus.

37.

Let fall the maid's soft arms, thou fair Boy purple-hem'd: now be thy care Her bridegroom's couch she seek and share.

O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 180 O Hymen Hymenaeus.

38.

Ye wives time-tried to husbands wed, Well-known for chast.i.ty inbred, Dispose the virginette a-bed.

O Hymen Hymenaeus io, 185 O Hymen Hymenaeus.

39.

Groom, now 'tis meet thou hither pace, With bride in genial bed to blend, For sheenly s.h.i.+nes her flowery face Where the white chamomiles contend 190 With poppies blus.h.i.+ng red.

40.

Yet bridegroom (So may G.o.dhead deign Help me!) nowise in humbler way Art fair, nor Venus shall disdain Thy charms, but look! how wanes the day: 195 Forward, nor loiter more!

41.

No longer loitering makest thou, Now comest thou. May Venus good Aid thee when frankly takest thou Thy wishes won, nor true Love woo'd 200 Thou carest to conceal.

42.

Of Afric's wolds and wilds each grain, Or constellations glistening, First reckon he that of the twain To count alone were fain to bring 205 The many thousand joys.

43.

Play as ye please: soon prove ye deft At babying babes,--'twere ill design'd A name thus ancient should be left Heirless, but issue like of kind 210 Engendered aye should be.

44.