My foes reioyced, all my friends were sad,
My selfe in sorrow spent both day and night,
No satisfaction my wrong'd honour had,
Was neuer maide in such perplexed plight:
To be with child whether I will or no,
And for my child, no humane father know.
Had I bin married (quoth she) as I ought,
And with my loue, the loue of man requited,
I had not to this woefull state bin brought,
In all contempt, disgracefully despighted:
And tearmed strumpet by the rude vnciuill,
Who say my sonne is bastard to the diuell.
Wherefore I wish Ladies of my degree,
And all the rest inferiour sorts of maydes,
To take a warning (for their good) by me,
Yeelding affection when kind men perswades:
And hate disdaine that vile accursed sin,
Least they be plagu'd for pride as I haue bin.
How say you to this warning wenches now,
That Lady _Adhan_ giues vnto you all,
Were you not better marriage to allow,
Then in a manner for a Midwife call:
I thinke you were if I might iudge the cause,
How say you _Susan_, speake good _Doll_ and _Grace_.
_Grace_.
This is a story that seemes very strange,
And for my part, it doth me full perswade,
My Mayden-head with some man to exchange,
I will not liue in danger of a mayde:
The world the flesh, the diuell tempts vs still,
Ile haue a husband, I protest I will.
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