2450We judged unmaiding better in the dark
Than, Daphne-like, an husking o'er with bark.'
The shrivers to their lords return with smiles,
And on their looks a joy ovall chhriots[*] had,
Said they confessèd them with zeal and wiles,
And by a plain narration knew the dad—
One of those ever-youthfuls came from heaven,
And in the virgins' wombs did lay a leaven.
The abbot at this news did much rejoice,
Since with a kind aspect the Virgin Lady,