Sonnet XL. Poets did feign that heavens a Venus had

Giles Fletcher (1586?–1623)

A Sonnet made upon the Two Twins, daughters of the Lady MOLLINEUX; both passing like, and exceeding[ly] fair.

POETS did feign that heavens a VENUS had;

Matchless herself, and CUPID was her son.

Men sued to these, and of their smiles were glad;

By whom so many famous were undone.

Now CUPID mourns that he hath lost his might,

And that these Two so comely are to see;

And VENUS frowns, because they have her right:

Yet both so like that both shall blameless be.

With heaven’s Two Twins for godhead these may strive;

And rule a World with least part of a frown:

Fairer than these Two Twins are not alive;

Both conquering Queens, and both deserve a Crown.

My thoughts presage, which time to come shall try,

That thousands conquered, for their love shall die.