University of Virginia Library

Of one Mary Frail, who lay with Mr. Reason.

Mary was long desirous for to marry,
And vow'd that past fifteen she would not tarry;
I am sure this vow of modesty did saile;[OMITTED]
To quaver on her lips even in her song.
Or if one touch the Lute with art & cunning,
Who would not love those hands for their swift running?
And her I like that with a majesty
Folds up her arms, and makes low courtesie;
To leave my self, that am in love with all,
Som one of these might make the chasest fall:
If she be tall, she's like an Amazon,
And therefore fills the bed she lies upon.
If short she lies the rounder, to say troth
Both short & long please me, for I love both.
I think what one undeckt would be, being drest,
Is she attired, then shew her graces best.
A white wench thralls me, so doth golden yellow,
And nut-brown girls in doing have no fellow.
If her white neck be shadowed with black hair,
Why so was Leda's, yet was Leda fair:
Amber trest is she, then on the morn think I
My Love alludes to every History:
A yong wench pleaseth, & an old is good,
This for her looks that for her woman-hood.
Nay what is she that any man loves,
But my ambitious ranging mind approves.