Page:Essays - Abraham Cowley (1886).djvu/147

 Might have preserved one innocent maidenhood. The jealous father thought he well might spare
 * All further jealous care;

And as he walked, to himself alone he smiled
 * To think how Venus' arts he had beguiled;

And when he slept his rest was deep, But Venus laughed to see and hear him sleep.
 * She taught the amorous Jove
 * A magical receipt in love,

Which armed him stronger and which helped him more Than all his thunder did and his almightyship before.

She taught him love's elixir, by which art His godhead into gold he did convert;
 * No guards did then his passage stay,
 * He passed with ease, gold was the word;

Subtle as lightning, bright, and quick, and fierce,
 * Gold through doors and walls did pierce;

And as that works sometimes upon the sword,