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IS it because it is nearer the earth? But they whose profes∣sion it is to see that nothing be done in heaven without their consent (as Re—says in him∣self of Astrologers) have bid Mer∣cury to be nearer. Is it because the works of Venus want shadowing, covering, and disguising? But those of Mercury need it more; for Elo∣quence, his occupation, is all sha∣dow and colours; let our life be a sea, and then our reason and even
ons are winde enough to carry us whether we should go, but Elo∣quence is a storm and tempest that miscarries: and who doubts that Eloquence which must per∣swade people to take a yoke of soveraignty (and then beg and make Laws to tye them faster, and then give money to the in∣vention, repair and strengthen it) needs more shadows and colou∣ring, then to perswade any man or woman to that which is natu∣ral. And Venus markets are so natural, that when we solicite the best way (which is by marri∣age) our perswasions work not so much to draw a woman to us, as against her nature to draw her from all other be∣sides. And so when we go a∣gainst nature, and from Venus∣work (for marriage is chastitie) we need shadowes and colours, but not else. In Seneca's time it was a course, an un-Roman and a contemptible thing even in a Matron, not to have had a Love
beside her husband, which though the Law required not at their hands, yet they did it zea∣lously out of the Councel of Custom and fashion, which was venery of supererrogation:
Et te spectator plusquam de∣lectat Adulter,saith Martial: And Horace, be∣cause many lights would not shew him enough, created many Ima∣ges of the same Object by wain∣scoting his chamber with looking∣glasses: so that Venus flies not light, so much as Mercury, who creeping into our understanding, our darkness would be defeated, if he were perceived. Then ei∣ther this shadow confesseth that same dark Melancholy Repen∣tance which accompanies; or that so violent fires, needs some shadowy refreshing and inter∣mission: Or else light signifying both day and youth, and shadow both night and age, she pronoun∣ceth by this that she professeth both all persons and times.