Englands Parnassus: or the choysest flowers of our moderne poets, with their poeticall comparisons Descriptions of bewties, personages, castles, pallaces, mountaines, groues, seas, springs, riuers, &c. Whereunto are annexed other various discourses, both pleasaunt and profitable.

Ʋirginitie.

Like to the Rose I count the virgin pure, That groweth on natiue stemme in garden fayre, Which whiles it stands with walles enuiron'd sure, VVhere herd-men with their herds cannot repayre To sauour it, it seemeth to allure The morning dew, the heate, the earthly ayre, Gallant yong men and louely dames delight By their sweete sent, and in their pleasing sight: But when that once tis gathered and gone From proper stalke, where late before it grew, The loue the liking little is or none, Fauour, and grace, beautie and all adue: So when a virgin graunts to one alone, The precious flower for which so many sue: VVell hee that getteth it may loue her best, But shee forgoes the loue of all the rest. S. I. H.

Iewels being lost, are found againe, this neuer, Tis lost but once, and once lost, lost for euer. Ch. Marlow.

Ʋirginitie though praysed is like a bird, for why, As much the flesh is frayle therein, as in the feare to die, What was it sayd to all but vs increase and multiplie? W. Warner.

— Virginitie Is neither essence subiect to the eye, No nor to any one exterior sence, Nor hath it any place of residence, Nor i'st of earth or mould celestiall,

Or capable of any forme at all. Ch. Marlow.

I know not her that willingly with maiden-head would die. W. W.