For Queen Elizabeth I

When Phoebus first did Daphne love,
and no means might her favour move,
he crav`d the cause. The cause, quoth she,
is, I have vow`d virginity.
Then in a rage he sware,... Read more

For Queen Elizabeth I

When Phoebus first did Daphne love,
and no means might her favour move,
he crav`d the cause. The cause, quoth she,
is, I have vow`d virginity.
Then in a rage he sware, and said,
Past fifteen none but one should live a maid.

If maidens then shall chance be sped
ere they can scarcely dress their head,
yet pardon them, for they be loath
to make good Phoebus break his oath.
And better `twere a child were born,
than that a god should be foresworn.

By this they get sweet mother`s name,
and are not barren which were blame,
besides by this procure they can
the world a child, the prince a man.
Now Stoick tell me if in this,
that anything be done a-miss.

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