Wedded she was some years, and to a man Of fifty and such husbands are in plenty; And yet, I think, instead of such a one, ’Twere better to have two of five and twenty, Especially in countries near the sun. Byron—Don Juan, Canto I., Verse LXII.
It was upon a day, a summer’s day; Summer’s indeed a very dangerous season, And so is spring about the end of May; The sun, no doubt, is the prevailing reason. Byron—Don Juan, Canto I., Verse CII.
Haidee was nature’s bride, and knew not this; Haidee was passion’s child, born where the sun Showers triple light, and scorches even the kiss Of his gazelle-eyed daughters. Byron—Don Juan, Canto II., Verse CCII.
The Turks do well to shut—at least sometimes— The women up—because, in sad reality, Their chastity in these unhappy climes Is not a thing of that astringent quality, Which in the north prevents precocious crimes. Byron—Don Juan, Canto V., Verse CLVII.
Few short years make wondrous alterations, Particularly among sun-burnt nations. Byron—Don Juan, Canto I., Verse LXIX.
Our English maids are long to woo, And frigid even in possession; And if their charms be fair to view, Their lips are slow at love’s confession: But born beneath a brighter sun, For love ordain’d the Spanish maid is And who when fondly, fairly won,— Enchants you like the girl of Cadiz?
In each her charms the heart must move Of all who venture to behold her; Then let not maids less fair reprove Because her bosom is not colder: Through many a clime ’tis mine to roam Where many a soft and melting maid is, But none abroad and few at home May match the dark-eyed girl of Cadiz. Byron—Poems.
What a beautiful comparison Shakespeare has made between the virgin and flowers.
I would I had some flowers o’ the spring, that might Become your time of day; and yours, and yours, That wear upon your virgin branches yet Your maidenheads growing * * * * * * * pale primroses, That die unmarried, ere they can behold Bright Phœbus in his strength,—a malady Most incident to maids. Winter’s Tale, Act IV., Sc. III.