John Milton. (1608–1674). Complete Poems.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| To a Virtuous Young Lady |
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| (1644) |
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| LADY! that in the prime of earliest youth | |
| Wisely hast shunned the broad way and the green, | |
| And with those few art eminently seen, | |
| That labour up the Hill of Heavenly Truth, | |
| The better part with Mary and with Ruth | 5 |
| Chosen thou hast, and they that overween, | |
| And at thy growing virtues fret their spleen, | |
| No anger find in thee, but pity and ruth. | |
| Thy care is fixed, and zealously attends | |
| To fill thy odorous Lamp with deeds of light. | 10 |
| And Hope that reaps not shame; therefore be sure, | |
| Thou, when the Bridegroom with his feastful friends | |
| Passes to bliss at the mid hour of night, | |
| Hast gained thy entrance, Virgin wise and pure. | |
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