The Poetry Corner

Amour 5

By Michael Drayton

Since holy Vestall lawes haue been neglected, The Gods pure fire hath been extinguisht quite; No Virgin once attending on that light, Nor yet those heauenly secrets once respected; Till thou alone, to pay the heauens their dutie Within the Temple of thy sacred name, With thine eyes kindling that Celestiall flame, By those reflecting Sun-beames of thy beautie. Here Chastity that Vestall most diuine, Attends that Lampe with eye which neuer sleepeth; The volumes of Religions lawes shee keepeth, Making thy breast that sacred reliques shryne, Where blessed Angels, singing day and night, Praise him which made that fire, which lends that light.