TAURUS. When Phoebus with Europa's bearer bides, I blindfold walk'd, disdaining to behold GEMINI. When in the hold, whereas the Twins do rest, Proud Phlegon, breathing fire, doth post amain, The trees with leaves, the earth with flowers is drest: When I in pride of years, with peevish brain, Presum'd too far, and made fond love my guest, With frosts of care my flowers were nipt amain : In height of weal who bears a careless heart, Repents too late his over-foolish part. CANCER. When in æstival Cancer's gloomy bower Dof tempt the heavens with harmony divine : In vain I spent the May-month of my time, Singing for joy to see me captive thrall To him, whose gains are grief, whose comfort small. LEO. When in the height of his meridian walk, Youth ripen'd all my thoughts to my decay; VIRGO. When in the Virgin's lap earth's comfort sleeps, Both corn and fruits are firm'd, and comfort creeps What love and scant foresight did make me sow, LIBRA. When in the Balance Daphne's leman blins,† And thought upon my youth and follies vain, I cast my count, and reason now begins To guide mine eyes with judgment, bought with pain, Which weeping wish a better way to find, Or else for ever to the world be blind. * slime] i. e. I suppose, slim, so written for the rhyme. ↑ blins] i. e. stops. SCORPIO. When with the Scorpion proud Apollo plays, Exchanging will to wit and soothfastness, SAGITTARIUS. Whenas the Archer in his winter hold, CAPRICORNUS. When he that in Eurotas' silver glide Doth bain his tress, beholdeth Capricorn, The days grow* short, then hastes the winter tide; The sun with sparing lights doth seem to mourn ; Gray is the green, the flowers their beauty hide :† Whenas I see that I to death was born, My strength decay'd, my grave already drest, I count my life my loss, my death my best. AQUARIUS. When with Aquarius Phoebe's brother stays, PISCES. When in the Fishes' mansion Phoebus dwells, Repentance youth by folly quite expells; I long to be dissolved for my best, That young in zeal long beaten with my I may grow old to wisdom and to God. rod VOL. II. T 274 FROM THE MOURNING GARMENT. (ED. 1616.) THE DESCRIPTION OF THE SHEPHERD AND HIS WIFE. It was near a thicky shade, That broad leaves of beech had made, Joining all their tops so nigh, That scarce Phoebus in could pry, To see if lovers in the thick He and she did sit and keep Flocks of kids and folds of sheep: And, for you might her huswife know, That breast and bosom in did wrap, |