Then shewd it, how the Thebane Semelee
2 Deceiu'd of gealous Iuno, did require
To see him in his soueraigne maiestee,
4 Armd with his thunderbolts and lightning fire,
Whence dearely she with death bought her desire.
6 But faire Alcmena better match did make,
Ioying his loue in likenesse more entire;
8 Three nights in one, they say, that for her sake
He then did put, +her+ pleasures lenger to partake.
9 her > his 1609
1 Then showed it, how the Theban Semele,
it > [the tapestry] Semele > (Daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia, and the lover of Jupiter. The jealous Juno appeared to her in the form of her aged nurse, and induced her to ask Jupiter to visit her in the same splendour and majesty with which he appeared to Juno. Jupiter warned her of the danger of this request; but, as he had sworn to grant whatever Semele desired, he was obliged to comply, and appeared before her as Jupiter Tonans. Semele was killed by the lightning; but Jupiter saved her child, Bacchus, with whom she was then pregnant)
2 Deceived of jealous Juno, did require
of > by
3 To see him in his sovereign majesty, 4 Armed with his thunderbolts and lightning fire, 5 Whence dearly she with death bought her desire. 6 But fair Alcmene better match did make,
Alcmene > (Or Alcmena, daughter of Electryon, king of Mycenae. She married Amphitryton, but refused to lie with him until he avenged the murder of her brothers. On the eve of Amphitryton's return, Jupiter appeared to Alcmene disguised as Amphitryton and fathered Hercules. See DGDG 6.1, Epithalamion 326-7)
7 Joying his love in likeness more entire;
Joying > Enjoying entire > perfect; wholly devoted