Teare

Emongst the rest a gentle nymph was found, Hight Astery, excelling all the crewe In curteous usage and unstained hewe. 120 Who, being nimbler ioynted than the rest, And more industrious, gathered more store Of the fields honour than the others best; Which they in secret harts envying sore, Tolde Venus, when her as the worthiest 125 She praisd', that Cupide (as they heard before) Did lend her secret aide in gathering Into her lap the children of the Spring, Whereof the goddesse gathering iealous feare,-- Not yet unmindfull how not long agoe 130 Her sonne to Psyche secrete love did beare, And long it close conceal'd, till mickle woe Thereof arose, and manie a rufull teare,-- Reason with sudden rage did overgoe; And, giving hastie credit to th'accuser, 135 Was led away of them that did abuse her.

Pray, madam, pray: From those faire eyes one penetentiall teare Would force whole legions of heavens brightest Sa[ints] If they have power to intercede for earth To beg for mercy for you.

These bloudy hands shall teare his triple Crowne, And fire accursed Rome about his eares.

Then am I enjoyned, therewith to open her accursed body, and teare out her hard and frozen heart, with her other inwards, as now thou seest me doe, which I give unto my Hounds to feede on.