3. THE SENTENCES

Abortive Love is half a sin;

But Love's abortions dearer far

Than wheels without an axle-pin

Or life without a married star.

My rules are hard to understand

For him whom sensual rules depress;

A bandbox in a midwife's hand

May hold a costlier bridal dress.

“I like her not; in fact I loathe;

Bugs hath she brought from London beds.”

Friend! wouldst thou rather bear their growth

Or have a baby with two heads?