Madrigal 25. Whiles these two wrathful goddesses did rage

Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)

WHILES these two wrathful goddesses did rage,

The little god of might

(Such as might fitter seem with cranes to fight,

Than, with his bow, to vanquish gods and kings)

In a cherry tree sat smiling;

And lightly waving, with his motley wings,

(Fair wings, in beauty! boys and girls beguiling!)

And cherry garlands, with his hands compiling:

Laughing, he leaped light

Unto the Nymph, to try which way best might

Her cheer; and, with a cherry branch, he bobbed!

But her soft lovely lips,

The cherries, of their ruddy ruby robbed!

Eftsoons, he, to his quiver skips

And brings those bottles, whence his mother sips

Her Nectar of Delight;

Which in her bosom, claimèd place by right.