115
NYMPHIDIA.
When in a second course again,They forward came with might and main,Yet which had better of the twain, The seconds could not judge yet:Their shields were into pieces cleft,Their helmets from their heads were reft,And to defend them nothing left, These champions would not budge yet.
Away from them their staves they threw,Their cruel swords they quickly drew,And freshly they the fight renew, They every stroke redoubled,Which made Proserpina take heed,And make to them the greater speed,For fear lest they too much should bleed, Which wond'rously her troubled.
When to th' infernal Styx she goes,She takes the fogs from thence that rose,And in a bag doth them enclose, When well she had them blended:She hies her then to Lethe spring,A bottle and thereof doth bring,Wherewith she meant to work the thing Which only she intended.
