A Hymn to Venus, upon a Marriage

ALMIGHTY pow'r of Harmony and Love
That Governst all below and blessest all above
At whose command this well proportion'd frame
From the dark womb of empty Chaos came
Whose smile bid wild confusion cease
And charm'd the jarring Elements to peace,
Who life and joy to th' earliest beings gave
And stil with new supplies defeats the conquest of the Grave
Marriage I sing be thou my Muse
To thy young Prophets Soul infuse
Such vigorous heat such active fire
As tun'd thy dear Anacreons Lyre
That my officious Song may prove
Noble as was our Lovers first desire
Sweet as their Courtship lasting as their Love.

Yes Venus your Divinity we own
Your pow'r and goodness equally are shown,
Since this happy pair you join
Forsake Cythera's crouded shrine
Victims of vulgar hearts disclaim
Nor seek new Conquests but the last maintain
Your last which has outdone
All other glories which your Cupids won
Since yielding to your Godhead Jove
Confest his Thunder less then were the Shafts of Love
Go let your darlings useless arms be broke
Let his torch languish in inactive Smoak
His little Deity must now dispair
To see such Lovers at his Altars crown'd
Or vanquish with an equal wound
So great an Hero, and a Bride so fair.

On these may all your Blessings flow
On these your choicest Gifts bestow
Let all their after minutes prove
Kind as is your kindest Dove
And soft as down upon the wings of love :
Still with their years encrease their joy
Stil be their raptures full yet never cloy
Whilst each succeeding Night
Improves the Transport of the last delight
In glad procession may each rolling Year
See the joyful Parent bear
A Beauty second only to her own
Or if the smiling Gods conspire to crown
Her stronger Wishes in a Son,
His Fathers Soul as Image let him share
And prove his Honors & his Virtues Heir.