Page:Hero and Leander - Marlowe and Chapman (1821).pdf/180

 In two parts equal, nought in middle left, To reunite each part from other rest: And five they hold in most especial prize , Since 'tis the first odd number that doth rise From the two foremost numbers' unity, That odd and even are; which are two and three, For one no number is: but thence doth flow The powerful race of number. Next did go A noble matron, that did spinning bear A housewife's rock and spindle, and did wear A wether's skin, with all the snowy fleece, To intimate that e'en the daintiest piece, And noblest born dame should industrious be; That which does good disgraceth no degree.

And now to Juno's temple they are come, Where her grave priest stood in the marriage room: On his right arm did hang a scarlet veil, And from his shoulders to the ground did trail, On either side, ribbands of white and blue; With the red veil he hid the bashful hue Of the chaste bride, to show the modest shame, In coupling with a man, should grace a dame.