I bid her lay with me, but she said no;

‘Not ‘til the creed of holy love be proved

For with no man here ever would I go,

Save in a covenant of honor true…

For goodness given lightly bears scarce worth,

As when it has been squandered times before—

There men of virtue ever bear the hurt

That chastity was given cheap afore.’

You are wise I said, wise beyond your years

And serve a standard that most hearts belie,

Fair knowing that base lust courts bitter tears

To stay a trouble, ever souls shall try.

No greater grace in love than probity;

—Of heart and soul, no higher dignity.