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A HYMNE TO APOLLO.
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Twixt Earth, and Heauen; when, comming to the placeWhere dwelt th'Immortals; strait without the gateShe gat Lucina; and did all relateThe Goddesses commanded; and enclin'd,To all that they demanded, her deare Minde.And on their way they went, like those two DouesThat, walking high-waies, euery shadow mouesVp from the earth; forc't with their naturall feare.When entring Delos; she that is so deareTo Dames in labor, made Latona straitProne to deliuerie; and to weild the waitOf her deare burthen, with a world of ease.When, with her faire hand; she a Palme did seaseAnd (staying her by it) stucke her tender kneesAmidst the soft meade; that did smile beneathHer sacred labor; and the child did breathThe aire, in th'instant. All the GoddessesBrake in kinde teares, and shrikes for her quicke ease.And Thee (O Archer Phœbus) with waues cleereWasht sweetly ouer, swadled with sincereAnd spotlesses swath-bands; and made then to flowAbout thy breast, a mantle, white as snow;Fine, and new made; and cast a Veile of GoldOuer thy forehead. Nor yet forth did holdThy mother, for thy foode, her golden brest:But Themis in supply of it, addrestLouely Ambrosia; and drunke off to thee
