Not Peer Reviewed
The Whore of Babylon (Quarto, 1607)
The Whore of Babylon.
339Into that Harlots Company (whom the fairyes
341That
strumpet by inticement heele bring ouer,
343That this plaine dealing serues the fairy Queene,
344And will no more be seene in Babilon.
348
Titania Fidely, Florimell, Elfiron,
349
Pentioners,
352How many plots were laid to barre vs hence,
353(Euen from our Cradle?) but our Innocence
354Your wisedome (fairy Peeres) and aboue all,
355That Arme) that cannot let a white soule fall,
356Hath held vs vp, and lifted vs thus hie,
358Of that bad woman, (Babilons proud Queene,
361When forth it bur
sts, to her owne downfall light.
362
Tita.
Truth be my witnes (whome we haue imployde,
363To purge our Aire that has with plagues de
stroyed
367to gaine that triple wreath that binds her head,
368Tho mine
shee would let forth, I know not why,
369Only through rancke lu
st after Souereigntie.
370
Flor.
Enough it is for me, if with a hand,
371(Vn
staind and vn-ambitious) fairy Land
372I Crowne with Oliue-branches: all those wounds,
Whose