Wittes Pilgrimage, Sonnet 10

THe Partes of all Loues speeche, are eighty eight,
(A fatall number, but more fatall speeche)
And, long it is ere we men learne the sleight;
But Women straite do learne, and we men teache.
If eight, to eighty eight be multiplide,
Loues language doth more Vebes then Nownes embrace:
Then, full of Aduerbes is the same beside,
Of Swearing, Flattring, Choosing Time, and Place.
Why eighty eight Parts iust: no more, nor lesse?
This speeche is figuratiue, A few, for more:
For, all the parts, Speeche neuer can expresse,
Sith euer they increase in strength, and Store!
Then, if Time raise his armes aboue his bounds,
Loues speech will Towre, til Error it confounds.