A strife is grown between Virtue and Love,

While each pretends that Stella must be his:

Her eyes, her lips, her all, saith Love, do this

Since they do wear his badge, most firmly prove.

But Virtue thus that title doth disprove:

That Stella (oh dear name) that Stella is

That virtuous soul, sure heir of heav'nly bliss,

Not this fair outside, which our hearts doth move;

And therefore, though her beauty and her grace

Be Love's indeed, in Stella's self he may

By no pretense claim any manner place.

Well, Love, since this demur our suit will stay,

Let Virtue have that Stella's self; yet thus

That Virtue but that body grant to us.

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