When Phoebus first did Daphne love

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.