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.
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