20. It is the
custom in encomiums to speak of country and parentage of the subject,
that the greatness of the offspring may be enhanced by mention of the
father. Now I, who have not undertaken to praise but to set forth
virginity, yet think it to the purpose to make known its country and
its parent. First, let us settle where is its country. Now,
if one’s country be there where is the home of one’s birth,
without doubt heaven is the native country of chastity. And so
she is a stranger here, but a denizen there.