1

When as1

that

genial2

universal fire

2Had in the turtle reinflamed desire,

3He, having found a beauteous

paramour3

,

4Her love and pity both he doth implore.

5But she, as wise, as fair, as chaste, as coy,

6Was loath to sell her freedom for a

toy4

;

7For having spied, above the waves, his head,

8She chastely his desired embraces fled.

9Love made him

nimble5

; fear made her make haste;

10So

Daphne from her lover fled6

as fast.

11At last,

his breath did move her flowing hair7

;

12E’en so the turtle did

o’ercatch8

his fair.

13Thus love than fear did prove more swift in chase,

14Which forced her yield unto her love’s embrace.

15So the

Grand Seignior9

makes his

vassals10

yield

16

When through their foot his cruel spear they feild11

.

17By this the women of this age may see

18Nothing gains love like a virgin modesty;

19For love repulsed doth more increase desire,

20As oil thrown on to quench augments the fire.

21Then, ladies, leave your

impudence12

, for shame;

22Let not the turtle have a chaster flame.