WHilst angry Juno, from the scowling skies, Thick swinging showers did downward send amain; My Lady, mounting up in stately wise, From heaven more fast did fiery lightning rain. So that the people, passing, had less harm By water wet, than by the fire o'erwarm. The water only wet their outward skin; A matter small, in which was danger none: But this her fire did burn their hearts within; And forced them, as they went, to sigh and groan. So that their grief was greater, sans all doubt, To have within fire, than water, without.
XIV.
THe swift Meander, turning, winds so fast, And with his stream in circle-wise so runs; That, wanton-like, from whence he springs, at last, Back to his fountain-head again he comes. In me, a river huge of tears, from heart To watery eyes ascend; from whence they flow, And running down, do from mine eyes depart, Descending to my heart again below. So that, through virtue of most mighty Love, In heart, a new Meander I do prove.
XV.
THou stranger, who with wand'ring steps dost wend, Thy gazing eyes turn quickly unto me! And to my speech, with list'ning ear attend! In whom four Elements united be. Mark well; and, as a wonder, tell the same Of Cupid's force! poor Lovers' Tamburlaine! First this my body's Earth, and earth most cold. The Fire within my heart, in covert lies. The Air's my sighs. Mine eyes do Waters hold. Thus for my Saint, he doth me martyrize. Earth is my body; (Strange seems not this same?) The Air, my sighs; eyes, Water; heart, the Flame.