St. Ambrose exhorts parents to train their children to
virginity, and sets before them the troubles arising from their desire
to have grandchildren. He says however that he does not forbid
marriage, but rather defends it against heretics who oppose it.
Still setting virginity before marriage, he speaks of the beauty of
their spouse, and of the gifts wherewith He adorns them, and applies to
these points certain verses of the Song of Songs.