EDMUND SPENSER

And thou, great Juno ! which with awful might

The lawes of wedlock still dost patronize;

And the religion of the faith first plight

With sacred rites hast taught to solemnize ;

And eeke for comfort often called art

Of women in their smart;

Eternally bind thou this lovely band,

And all thy blessings unto us impart.

And thou, glad Genius ! in whose gentle hand

The bridale bowre and geniall bed remaine,

Without blemish or staine;

And the sweet pleasures of theyr loves delight

With secret ayde doest succour and supply,

Till they bring forth the fruitfull progeny ;

Send us the timely fruit of this same night.

And thou, fay re Hebe ! and thou, Hymen free !

Grant that it may so be.

Til which we cease your further prayse to sing ;

Ne any woods shall answer, nor your Eccho ring.

And ye high heavens, the temple of the gods,

In which a thousand torches flaming bright

Doe burne, that to us wretched earthly clods

In dreadful darknesse lend desired light

And all ye powers which in the same remayne,

More then we men can fayne !

Poure out your blessing on us plentiously,

And happy influence upon us raine,

That we may raise a large posterity,

Which from the earth, which they may long possesse

With lasting happinesse,

Up to your haughty pallaces may mount;

And, for the guerdon of theyr glorious merit,

�� �� �