The Poetical Works of Edmund Spenser, Volume 5 by Edmund Spenser
page 176 of 440 (40%)
page 176 of 440 (40%)
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So did this flie outstretch his fearefull hornes,
Yet so as him their terrour more adornes. Lastly his shinie wings, as silver bright, Painted with thousand colours passing farre 90 All painters skill, he did about him dight: Not halfe so manie sundrie colours arre In Iris bowe; ne heaven doth shine so bright, Distinguished with manie a twinckling starre; Nor Iunoes bird, in her ey-spotted traine, 95 So manie goodly colours doth containe. Ne (may it be withouten perill spoken) The Archer-god, the sonne of Cytheree, That ioyes on wretched lovers to be wroken*, And heaped spoyles of bleeding harts to see, 100 Beares in his wings so manie a changefull token. Ah! my liege Lord, forgive it unto mee, If ought against thine honour I have tolde; Yet sure those wings were fairer manifolde. [* _Wroken_, avenged.] Full many a ladie faire, in court full oft 105 Beholding them, him secretly envide, And wisht that two such fannes, so silken soft And golden faire, her Love would her provide; Or that, when them the gorgeous flie had doft, Some one that would with grace be gratifide 110 From him would steale them privily away, And bring to her so precious a pray. |
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