Me of my lawful pleasure she restrained
And prayed me oft forbearance--did it with
A pudency so read more

Me of my lawful pleasure she restrained
And prayed me oft forbearance--did it with
A pudency so rosy, the sweet view on't
Might well have warmed old Saturn--that I thought her
As chaste as unsunned snow.

A nun of winter's sisterhood kisses not more religiously; the
very ice of chastity is in them.

A nun of winter's sisterhood kisses not more religiously; the
very ice of chastity is in them.

It is difficult to believe in a religion that places such a high premium on chastity and virginity.

It is difficult to believe in a religion that places such a high premium on chastity and virginity.

There are few virtuous women who are not bored with their trade.

There are few virtuous women who are not bored with their trade.

As pure as a pearl,
And as perfect: a noble and innocent girl.

As pure as a pearl,
And as perfect: a noble and innocent girl.

Like the stain'd web that whitens in the sun,
Grow pure by being purely shone upon.

Like the stain'd web that whitens in the sun,
Grow pure by being purely shone upon.

Then she rode forth, clothed on with chastity:
The deep air listen'd round her as she rode,
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Then she rode forth, clothed on with chastity:
The deep air listen'd round her as she rode,
And all the low wind hardly breathed for fear.

That chastity of honour which felt a stain like a wound.

That chastity of honour which felt a stain like a wound.

If she seem not chaste to me,
What care I how chaste she be?

If she seem not chaste to me,
What care I how chaste she be?