The serpent Python so forswolne, whose filthie wombe did hide

Before the Sea and Lande were made, and Heaven that all doth hide, In all the worlde one onely face of nature did abide, Which Chaos hight, a huge rude heape, and nothing else but even A heavie lump and clottred clod of seedes togither …

There from hys quiver full of shafts two arrowes did he take Of sundrie workes: t'one causeth Love, the tother doth it slake. That causeth love, is all of golde with point full sharpe and bright, That chaseth love is blunt, whose stele …

With skill, heede, and judgment, this worke must be read, For else to the Reader it standes in small stead.

Of shapes transformde to bodies straunge, I purpose to entreate.

Peneian Daphne was the first where Phebus set his love, Which not blind chaunce but Cupids fierce and cruel wrath did move.

In woods and forrests is hir joy, the savage beasts to chase, And as the price of all hir paine to take the skinne and case. Unwedded Phebe doth she haunt and follow as hir guide, Unordred doe hir tresses wave scarce in a fillet tide. Full …