So a maiden, whilst she remains untouched, so long is she dear to her own; when she has lost her chaste flower with sullied body, she remains neither lovely to boys nor dear to girls.

So a maiden, whilst she remains untouched, so long is she dear to her own; when she has lost her chaste flower with sullied body, she remains neither lovely to boys nor dear to girls.

It is difficult to suddenly give up a long love. Difficile est longum subito deponere amorem

For the godly poet must be chaste himself, but there is no need for his verses to be so.

There is nothing more foolish than a foolish laugh. Risu inepto res ineptior nulla est

But you shall not escape my iambics.

There is nothing more silly than a silly laugh.