Ode 7. When I did think to write of war

Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)

WHEN I did think to write of war,

And martial chiefdens of the field,

DIANA did enforce to yield

My Muse to praise the Western Star!

But PALLAS did my purpose bar,

My Muse as too weak, it to wield!

ELIZA’s praises were too high!

Divinest Wits have done their best!

And yet the most have provèd least;

Such was her Sacred Majesty!

Love’s Pride! Grace to Virginity!

O could my Muse, in her praise rest!

VENUS directed me to write

The praise of peerless Beauty’s Wonder!

A theme more fit for voice of thunder!

PARTHENOPHE, from whose eyes bright,

Ten thousand Graces dared my might,

And willed me, five degrees write under!

But yet her Fancy wrought so much,

That my Muse did, her praise adventure!

Wherein, of yore, it durst not enter.

And now her beauty gives that touch

Unto my Muse, in number such;

Which makes me more and more repent her!