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So is it, by my soul, I swear,

Fair son, with every human pair,

Although the law doth claim of right

To check somewhat the appetite.

Somewhat! methinks, a deal too much,

For when folk fall within the clutch

Of law, it bids that each shall cling

To each in every mortal thing,

And husband seek his wife alone,

And she be his both flesh and bone,

And both shall each to other give

Themselves, unchanging while they live;

Yet each, forsooth, doth long to be

From all restraint and bondage free.

And those who view this thing with clear

Impartial eye will know ’tis fear

And shame alone that hold folk back,

Who else would tread in Nature’s track,

And, like the cattle, follow sense:

Thereof I’ve had experience

Myself, for I would give away

My love to any day by day.

And had I not been cowed by shame,

Which curbs the will of many a dame,

When through the town I marching went

(Which none could hinder or prevent),

So decked and dizened, all might know

The part I played, from outward show,

And saw well-liking varlets cast

Soft looks upon me as I passed

(Good Lord! what tremors through me ran

Exchanging glances with a man),