Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, URANIA; THE WOMAN IN THE MOON: DEDICATION TO HENRY, PRINCE OF WALES, by WILLIAM BASSE


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URANIA; THE WOMAN IN THE MOON: DEDICATION TO HENRY, PRINCE OF WALES, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When cynthia sitting on her siluer throne
Last Line: By more devoteing her vnto your highnesse.
Subject(s): Henry, Prince Of Wales (1584-1612)


WHEN Cynthia sitting on her siluer throne
First told my Muse the story you shall heare,
She strictly charg'd her not to make it knowne,
For any cause, to any mortall eare
Till 'twas related (as it once should be)
To some rare Prince of royall progenie.

The reason was (it seemes) That since herein
Some actions are of gods and passions shewne,
She thought it fit that to some nearest kin
To them (great Prince) it should at first be knowne:
Tender alliance, and a Princely brest
To heare and judge of such occurrents best.

This Muse (therfore) as Cynthia did her binde
Hath safely kept this secret undisclos'd
Till now, that, in your gracious forme, a minde
She findes (Sir) so celestially dispos'd
That she is full resolued it is you
The Delian Queene directed her vnto.

May't please you (then) to lend the Moone your light
Thus shadow'd vnder these ecliptique lines,
Your Sun-like gloryes shall not shine lesse bright,
But more, that Cynthia by your lustre shines,
And to your greatnesse purchase more divinesse
By more devoteing her vnto your highnesse.





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