When she this wofull news did hear, That he would to the warrs of Troy; For grief she shed full many a tear, At parting from her only joy; 10 Her ladies all about her came, To comfort up this Grecian dame.
Ulysses, with a heavy heart, Unto her then did mildly say, The time is come that we must part; 15 My honour calls me hence away; Yet in my absence, dearest, be My constant wife, Penelope.
Let me no longer live, she sayd, Then to my lord I true remain; 20 My honour shall not be betray'd Until I see my love again; For I will ever constant prove, As is the loyal turtle-dove.
Thus did they part with heavy chear, 25 And to the ships his way he took; Her tender eyes dropt many a tear; Still casting many a longing look: She saw him on the surges glide, And unto Neptune thus she cry'd: 30
Thou god, whose power is in the deep, And rulest in the ocean main, My loving lord in safety keep Till he return to me again: That I his person may behold, 35 To me more precious far than gold.
Then straight the ships with nimble sails Were all convey'd out of her sight: Her cruel fate she then bewails, Since she had lost her hearts delight. 40 Now shall my practice be, quoth she, True vertue and humility.
My patience I will put in ure,[429] My charity I will extend; Since for my woe there is no cure, 45 The helpless now I will befriend: The widow and the fatherless I will relieve, when in distress.
Thus she continued year by year In doing good to every one; 50 Her fame was noised every where, To young and old the same was known, That she no company would mind, Who were to vanity inclin'd.
Mean while Ulysses fought for fame, 55 'Mongst Trojans hazarding his life: Young gallants, hearing of her name, Came flocking for to tempt his wife: For she was lovely, young, and fair, No lady might with her compare. 60
With costly gifts and jewels fine, They did endeavour her to win; With banquets and the choicest wine, For to allure her unto sin: Most persons were of high degree, 65 Who courted fair Penelope.
With modesty and comely grace, Their wanton suits she did denye; No tempting charms could e'er deface Her dearest husband's memorye; 70 But constant she would still remain, Hopeing to see him once again.