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Stupration is the least offence

Of women, saith he, for prepense

Are they to greater crimes; he tells

How mothers-in-law wrought poison spells

For daughters’ husbands, and with charms.

On those they loved not, worked dire harms

And devilish tricks, and more of crime,

That to set forth would waste all time.

Whoso takes pains to peel the rind

From woman will the harlot find,

And taking heed will prove women all

Fallen or ready-ripe to fall.

And this advantage over men

Have women as to will, that when

They’ve settled what they’re fain to do,

They’ll do it, though the world should rue,

Or perish: none can change the heart

Of woman, though her body smart;

Could one a woman’s spirit quell,

Her body might he rule as well.

Now leave we that which ne’er can be;

But, Lord of Heaven! give help to me!

What can I ’gainst this ribald crew,

Who put my life to shame and do

Me wrongs untold? Whatever threat

I use against them is but met

With laughing gibe; if open war

I make upon them, then they are

Prepared to kill me. Brutal, proud,

And strong are they, right well endowed

For any crime; they spurn the law,

Nor care for me one single straw;

VOL. II.