But this bright sun of joy eclipsèd was,

And pitchy clouds their glorious sky did smutch:

Then Venus' joys were like to Venice glass,

Poor glass-like toys that perish with a touch.

A guardian's anger, or a parent's frown,

1340Nips love's fresh blossoms and a wish uncrown.

The jealous matron, from her tow'ring loft,

O'erlooked th' ambitious trees which hemmed them in;

O'erheard their vows, their sighs, and language soft;

And saw how Cupid leapt from skin to skin,