Sonnet LII. Methought, Calliope did from heaven descend

Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)

METHOUGHT, CALLIOPE did from heaven descend

To sing, fair Mistress! thy sweet beauty’s praise.

Thy sweet enchanting voice did ORPHEUS raise;

Who, with his harp (which down the gods did send)

Celestial concord to the voice did lend.

His music, all wild beasts so did amaze

That they, submissive to thy looks did bend.

Hills, trees, towns, bridges, from their places wend.

Hopping and dancing. All the winds be still

And listen; whiles the nightingales fulfil,

With larks and thrushes, all defects of pleasure.

Springs sang thy praises, in a murmur shrill.

Whiles I, enraged by music, out of trance,

Like BACCHUS’s priest, did, in thy presence dance.