122
SATYR.
Why should not these, that borrow all the Worth
They have from them, not take this Lesson forth,
85 Get Children, Friends, and Honour too, and Money
By prudent managing of Matrimony?
For, if 'tis honourable by all confest,
Adultery must be worshipful at least;
And these Times great, when private Men are come
90 Up to the Height and Politic of Rome.
All By-blows were not only free-born then,
But, like John Lilborn, free begotten Men;
Had equal Right and Privilege with these,
That claim by Title of the four Seas.
95 For being in Marri'ge born, it matters not,
After what Liturgy they were begot;
And if there be a Difference, they have
Th' Advantage of the Chance in proving brave,
By b'ing engender'd with more Life and Force,
100 Than those begotten the dull Way of Course.
The Chinese place all Piety and Zeal,
In serving with their Wives the Commonweal,
They have from them, not take this Lesson forth,
85 Get Children, Friends, and Honour too, and Money
By prudent managing of Matrimony?
For, if 'tis honourable by all confest,
Adultery must be worshipful at least;
And these Times great, when private Men are come
90 Up to the Height and Politic of Rome.
All By-blows were not only free-born then,
But, like John Lilborn, free begotten Men;
Had equal Right and Privilege with these,
That claim by Title of the four Seas.
95 For being in Marri'ge born, it matters not,
After what Liturgy they were begot;
And if there be a Difference, they have
Th' Advantage of the Chance in proving brave,
By b'ing engender'd with more Life and Force,
100 Than those begotten the dull Way of Course.
The Chinese place all Piety and Zeal,
In serving with their Wives the Commonweal,
