XXIII.

THE Gentiles used, in sign of sacrifice,

The blood of men to offer; to appease

The warlike goddess's wrath, in humble wise;

And through the same, her angry mind did please:

But Thou, more wicked Warrior far than she,

In reason may'st more cruel termed be.

On Beauty's altar, to thee dedicate;

Thousands of Lovers, mustering on a row,

Offer their blood and hearts! yet mitigate

Thy hardened mind cannot: which flint doth show.

Then is she cruel less than Thou art now:

Since blood her pleased; and Thee hearts cannot bow.

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