otherwise a mortal creature. Then Psyches was very glad that she should
bring forth a divine babe, and very joyfull in that she should be
honored as a mother. She reckened and numbered carefully the days and
months that passed, and beeing never with child before, did marvel
greatly that in so short a time her belly should swel so big. But those
pestilent and wicked furies breathing out their Serpentine poyson, took
shipping to bring their enterprise to passe. The Psyches was warned
again by her husband in this sort: Behold the last day, the extream
case, and the enemies of thy blood, hath armed themselves against us,
pitched their campe, set their host in array, and are marching towards
us, for now thy two sisters have drawn their swords and are ready
to slay thee. O with what force are we assailed on this day! O sweet
Psyches I pray thee to take pitty on thy selfe, of me, and deliver thy
husband and this infant within thy belly from so great danger, and see
not, neither heare these cursed women, which are not worthy to be called
thy sisters, for their great hatred and breach of sisterly amity, for
they wil come like Syrens to the mountains, and yeeld out their pittious
and lamentable cries. When Psyches had heard these words she sighed
sorrowfully and said, O deare husband this long time have you had
experience and triall of my faith, and doubt you not that I will
persever in the same, wherefore command your winde Zephyrus, that hee
may doe as hee hath done before, to the intent that where you have
charged me not to behold your venerable face, yet that I may comfort
myself with the sight of my sisters. I pray you by these beautifull
haires, by these round cheekes delicate and tender, by your pleasant hot
breast, whose shape and face I shall learn at length by the childe in my
belly, grant the fruit of my desire, refresh your deare Spowse Psyches
with joy, who is bound and linked unto you for ever. I little esteeme to
see your visage and figure, little doe I regard the night and darknesse
thereof, for you are my only light.