[In the edition of 1573, The Sonnet to Lady Paget, which follows the Posies, is placed here.]
[96.]
¶ The description of a womans age by vi. times xiiij yeeres prentiship, with a lesson to the same.
| 14. | Two first seuen yeeres, for a rod they doe whine, |
| 28. | Two next, as a [perle] in the world they doe shine, |
| 42. | Two next, trim beautie beginneth to [swerue], |
| 56. | Two next, for matrones or drudges they serue, |
| 70. | Two next, doth craue a staffe for a stay, |
| 84. | Two next, a [beere] to fetch them away. |
A Lesson
Then purchase some pelfe,
by fiftie and thrée:
or [buckle] thy selfe,
a drudge for to bée.