XLVIII

And she herselfe of beautie soveraigne Queene,

Fayre Venus[°] seemde unto his bed to bring

Her, whom he waking evermore did weene,

To bee the chastest flowre, that ay did spring

On earthly braunch, the daughter of a king,

Now a loose Leman to vile service bound:

And eke the Graces[°] seemed all to sing,

Hymen Iö Hymen[°] dauncing all around,

Whilst freshest Flora[°] her with Yvie girlond crownd.