[C7v]
Amidst my doubt and minds debate, Of change of time, of worlds estate, I spyed a boy + attired (10) In siluer plumes, yet naked quite, Saue pretty feathers fit for flight, wherewith he still aspired. A bowe he bare to worke mens wrack, A little Quiuer at his back, (15) with many arrowes filled: And in his soft and pretty hand, He held a liuely burning brand, where-with he Louers killed. Fast by his side, in rich aray, (20) There sate a louely Lady + gay, his mother as I guessed: That set the Lad vpon her knee, And trimd his bow and taught him flee, and mickle Loue professed. (25) Oft from her lap at sundry stowres, +He leapt, and gathered Sommer flowres, both Violets and Roses: But see the chaunce that followed fast, As he the pompe of prime doth wast, (30) before that he supposes: A Bee that harbour’d hard thereby, Did sting his hand, and made him cry Oh Mother, I am wounded: Faire Venus that beheld her Sonne, (35) Cryed out alas, I am vndone, and there-vpon she swounded. My little Lad the Goddesse sayd, Who hath my Cupid so dismayd?