mars

And that fixed fervour, iron-red like Mars,

In the mid moving tide of tenderer stars,

pen has been run, and ' Francis Beamont* wrote over the line ; even this mterlineation ap-

Mars to be very old. The second quarto appeared in l648, the title whereof mentions

rletcher singly; and the third in 1649, which has both names. The third, however, seems

Go, cramp dull Mars, light Venus, when he snorts,

Or with thy tribade trine invent new sports;

Phoebus gave not Diana such, 'tis thought,

But Venus often to her Mars such brought.

"What dost?" I cried; "transport'st thou my delight?

The sea I use not: me my earth must have.

Soldier applaud thy Mars, no wars we move,

Peace pleaseth me, and in mid peace is love. 50

Let me[286] enjoy her oft, oft be debarred.

Cupid, by thee, Mars in great doubt doth trample,

And thy stepfather fights by thy example.

And this town's well-known custom not believes;

Where Mars his sons not without fault did breed,

Remus and Romulus, Ilia's twin-born seed. 40

And all things too much in their sole power drenches.

Mars girts his deadly sword on for my harm;

Pallas' lance strikes me with unconquered arm;