Ode 15. Vulcan, in Lemnos Isle

Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)

VULCAN, in Lemnos Isle,

Did golden shafts compile

For CUPID’s bow.

Then VENUS did, with honey sweet,

To make it please, anoint the pile.

CUPID below

Dipped it in gall, and made it meet

Poor wounded creatures to beguile.

When MARS returned from war,

Shaking his spear afar;

CUPID beheld!

At him, in jest, MARS shaked his spear!

Which CUPID, with his dart did bar

(Which millions quelled).

Then, MARS desired his dart to bear:

But soon the weight, his force did mar!

Then MARS subdued, desired

(Since he was with it tired)

CUPID to take it.

“Nay, you shall keep it!” CUPID said;

“For first to feel it you required.

Wound I will make it

As deep as yours! You me did fear;

And for that, you shall be fired!”