“I am the guardian of the sleeping fawn; the snow is dear to me; and the moon rising; and the silver sea. With my robes I cover the speckled hen’s eggs and the brindled sea shell; I cover vice and poverty. On all things frail or dark or doubtful, my veil descends. Wherefore, speak not, reveal not. Spare, O spare!”

Here the trumpets peal forth.

“Purity Avaunt! Begone Purity!”

Then Our Lady Chastity speaks:

“I am she whose touch freezes and whose glance turns to stone. I have stayed the star in its dancing, and the wave as it falls. The highest Alps are my dwelling place; and when I walk, the lightnings flash in my hair; where my eyes fall, they kill. Rather than let Orlando wake, I will freeze him to the bone. Spare, O spare!”

Here the trumpets peal forth.

“Chastity Avaunt! Begone Chastity!”

Then Our Lady of Modesty speaks, so low that one can hardly hear:

“I am she that men call Modesty. Virgin I am and ever shall be. Not for me the fruitful fields and the fertile vineyard. Increase is odious to me; and when the apples burgeon or the flocks breed, I run, I run; I let my mantle fall. My hair covers my eyes. I do not see. Spare, O spare!”

Again the trumpets peal forth.

“Modesty Avaunt! Begone Modesty!”