De Pudicitia

By Nirina Mignon

With the stipple o’ her steps, painted by moonhalo

Descends laced in servant bodice the watering hine,

Who invested by the laurel of maidenhead yet leads the kine.

Her spotless conversation expels far entreaties of inordinate love.

Lulled by her perpetual saintly concert, the unicorn draws out of celestial cove,

To the adoration of the infanta, Heaven’s ways parted, the steed hastens

Yet lacking the harsh scoring of reed lashes, across fens.

For an ensign an ivory hennin, besides a pale coat,

Which in its provision is sewn only with ermine or stoat.

For us an ensample, even a terror to intemperance.

By her pudic manner is quelled irresolute haecceity,

That hemlock by which imps suggest foolish gaeity.