John Dowland - When Phœbus first did Daphne love - текст песни (слова)

When Phoebus first did Daphne love,
 and no means might her favour move,
 he crav'd the cause. The cause, quoth she,
 is, I have vow'd virginity.
 Then in a rage he sware, and said,
 Past fifteen none but one should live a maid.
 
 If maidens then shall chance be sped
 ere they can scarcely dress their head,
 yet pardon them, for they be loath
 to make good Phoebus break his oath.
 And better 'twere a child were born,
 than that a god should be foresworn.
 
 By this they get sweet mother's name,
 and are not barren which were blame,
 besides by this procure they can
 the world a child, the prince a man.
 Now Stoick tell me if in this,
 that anything be done a-miss.