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68

Chap. VIII.


73

[Of late there rose a Sect of Caiphas kind]

Of late there rose a Sect of Caiphas kind,
Which great renowme with Pen & tongue assign'd
To Wedlock-bands, and with a large extent
Confirm'd the same to be a Sacrament:
Yet ne'rethelesse by quirks and tricks they push,
As if they found a knot within a rush,
Forbidding it to all the Clergy-men:
A doctrine sure come from the Deuils den.

74

But whats the fruit? Their bodies Lust inflames,
That they doe burne, as scorcht in Ætnaes flames.
Enamoured they wish for cruell death
To end their watchfull cares, and wearied breath.
Their mind runnes all on Loue. Loue moues the braine
To muse vpon sweet Beauty dy'd in graine.
This is the vpshot of their rash made vowes,
Vnlesse the Baudy-house, which Rome allowes,
Like to a Iakes, doe ease their pampred reines,
Or like a Horse-leach suck their puft vp veines.
Returne then, Marriage to thy free estate.
Repent, yee Shauelings, ere it be too late.
Vse lawfull meanes, and leaue of stolne pleasure,
Account of Marriage as the Churches treasure.
Christ easie yoke (yee need not stand in awe)
Dissolues old vowes, and for Dianaes Law.
Christs easie yoke yeelds Priests a freer life,
That one man be the Husband of one wife.