University of Virginia Library

A Virgine, 34.

Is like the Lillies, and the Crimson Roses,
When Phœbvs force their luked Leaues vnloses:
VVhich kythe in Colours pure, and all Ingraine,
But anie Macule, Tash, or anie Staine,
Shee's Natures Beautie, in her chiefest Pryde,
In Chastitie, and Vertues Tinctures dy'de:
VVhere th'vnpolluted Spirit Gracious,
Doth make her Angell-like, and Glorious
Shee's Vertues Darling, VVisdomes Milk-whyte Doue,
Reasons Care and shee is Honours Loue.
The Grace of Youth, the Comfort of the Age,
In both discreet, in both digest and sage.
Her Studies, and her Exercises, holy;
But Petulance, lascivious Sports, or Folly.
An handsome, humble Gravitie, her Grace,
VVith comely Carr'age, and a constant Pace.
Louely her Looks, and yet most chaste her Eye,
Her Countenance severe, yet sweet to see.
Her Actions all, are with her VVords, that's Trueth,
Her Constancie, her Fame, in Age, and Youth.
Her Wealth, her Vertues are, her Grace, her Glore,
Her Labour, Patience, and Content her Store.
Her vsuall Dyet, it is Abstinence,
Her Ornament, and Crowne, is Continence.
Her Lawne-like Loue, vnspotted is, and cleane,
Her Orisons devote, her Hopes divine.
Her Parents Pleasure, Honour of her Kin,
And Phœnix of the Land shee liveth in.
Of Female kinde, shee is the first and fairest,
And one of all the Rationall, that's Rarest.
And to bee found the Heavens beneath, and vnder,
The choysest Iewell, and the chiefest Wonder.