Could stand with me in competition.
Twas then, forgetful wretch, that I a kiss
Did oft prefer before a greater bliss.
What did I care? my carnal joys did swell;
So slighted Heaven, and ne’re feared Hell.
But let me henceforth learn to slight those toys,
And set my heart upon Celestial joys.
In the very height of these my jollities, I cou’d not forbear thinking sometimes on my eternal condition; but custome and opportunity had so absolutely inslaved me, that good thoughts which were but seldom, wrought little good effects upon me. But if my souls welfare would not deter me from these foul and wicked acts, yet love to my present mortall condition, compelled me for a while to desist, and by flying those embraces I lately so hotly pursued, shun those complicated mischiefs which were appropinquant, the undeniable effects of my immoderate and destructive wantonness. My approaching danger was too visible, for I observed that some of the Gentlewomen began to find strange alterations in their bodies, with frequent qualms coming over their stomacks, which made me sick to be gone; and in this manner I did plot my escape. My Mistris having a Son much about my stature, and one time finding a fit opportunity, I got a suit of cloaths of his, with other perquisits, which I put on, reassuming my proper shape and habit, and so with flying colours marched off, insulting over the conquest of so many Maiden-heads, leaving the quondam possessors thereof to deplore their ensuing misery, and condemn their own rash folly.
