On Modesty and Chastity

O How is this luxurious World beguil'd! That Spotless Modesty seems quite exil'd; And Chastity cathier'd, or banish'd hence, Lest her prevailing pow'rful Influence Should tincture humane Hearts with holy Awe, And deeply there engrave the Royal Law; Which few regard, tho' of a vast Extent, Altho' its Precepts teacheth to prevent The sad Effects, Grief, Shame, and Obloquy, That still attend them that slight Modesty. For Chastity, sits as with awful Grace, Enthron'd i'th' Heart, and sweetly in the Face Holds forth its Ensign, Modesty, as 'twere A Flag of Peace, which, when it doth appear, It bids Defiance to th' voluptuous Mind, Altho' to Hospitality inclin'd; And doth with Friendly Treatments entertain Those that converse therewith without a Stain, Or base Extravagance of wanton Look, Wherewith deluding Syrens bait their Hook, To catch unstable Hearts with seeming Joy, Tho' the Design is chiefly to destroy. No, here's a pure, tho' far more potent Charm, That, as a Castle, daunts approaching Harm With simple Innocence, whose chiefest Care Is to prevent, rather than plant a Snare. Then why should either Sex claim Liberty, Beyond the Confines of sweet Modesty? It seasons Words, and fairly regulates Deportment, both to High and Low Estates: It crowns the Man with Comeliness: But she That wants it, deserves Shame and Infamy.