ABSTRACT
And how to sing Christs Epithalamy: The Altars had his fires, and there hee spoke Incense of loves, and fansies holy smoake: Religion thus enrich'd, the people train'd, And God from dull vice had the fashion gain'd. The first effects sprung in the giddy minde of flashy youth, and thirst of woman-kinde, By colours lead, and drawne to a pursuit, Now once againe by beautie of the fruit, As if their longings too must set us free, And tempt us now to the commanded tree. Tellmc, had ever pleasure such a dresse, Have you knowne crimes so shap'd? or lovelinesse Such as his lips did cloth religion in? Had not reproofe a beauty passing sinne? Corrupted nature sorrow'd when she stood So neare the danger of becomming good, And wish'd our so inconstant earcs exempt From piety that had such power to tempt: Did not his sacred flattery beguile Man to amendment? The law, taught to smile, Pension'd our vanitie, and man grew well Through the same frailtie by which he fell. . . .
