The bold Semiramis,[°] whose sides transfixt

With sonnes own blade, her fowle reproches spoke;

Faire Sthenoboea,[°] that her selfe did choke

With wilfull cord, for wanting of her will;

High minded Cleopatra,[°] that with stroke

Of Aspes sting her selfe did stoutly kill:

And thousands moe the like, that did that dongeon fill;

LI

Besides the endlesse routs of wretched thralles,