Fair Venus' heart to see her most delighted,

And one she choos'd, for temper of her mind

To be the only ruler of her kind,

So soon to let her virgin race be ended!

Not simply for the fault a whit offended,320

But that in strife for chasteness with the Moon,

Spiteful Diana bade her show but one

That was her servant vow'd, and liv'd a maid;

And, now she thought to answer that upbraid,

Hero had lost her answer: who knows not