XIII. Whilst angry Juno, from the scowling skies

Robert Tofte (1561–1620)

WHILST angry JUNO, from the scowling skies,

Thick swinging showers did downward send amain;

My Lady, mounting up in stately wise,

From heaven more fast did fiery lightning rain.

So that the people, passing, had less harm

By water wet, than by the fire o’erwarm.

The water only wet their outward skin;

A matter small, in which was danger none:

But this her fire did burn their hearts within;

And forced them, as they went, to sigh and groan.

So that their grief was greater, sans all doubt,

To have within fire, than water, without.