Ode 14. Hark! all you lovely Nymphs forlorn!

Barnabe Barnes (1569?–1609)

HARK! all you lovely Nymphs forlorn!

With VENUS, chaste DIANA meets!

And one another friendly greets!

Did you not hear her wind a horn?

Then cease, fair Ladies! Do not mourn!

Virgins, whom VENUS made offend,

Resort into the wood at even;

And every one shall be forgiven!

There shall all controversies end!

DIANA shall be VENUS’ friend!

Hark, Nymphs forlorn! what is decreed!

Spotless DIANA must not fail,

But be addressed with VENUS’ veil;

VENUS must wear DIANA’s weed.

This veil will shadow, when you need!

If any think a virgin light;

DIAN’ in VENUS’ veil excuseth,

And her Nymph PHŒBE’s habit useth.

These quaint attires befit you right,

For each a diverse garment chooseth.