Until I labour, I in labour lie.
-- Speaker (Line 2)

Importance: In this line, the speaker introduces the premise of the poem. He is lying in bed, watching his mistress undress, and waiting for her to join him so they can engage in the "labour" of intercourse (2). The quote also introduces the use of repetition, which is important in the poem's structure. Finally, the use of the word "labour" and "lie" in close conjunction introduce the theme of childbirth, which returns near the end of the poem (2). (Childbirth was called "lying-in" as well as labor at the time). In this quote, the speaker tacitly associates himself with the process of birth.

Th'eyes of busy fools may be stopped there.
-- Speaker (Line 8)

Importance: This line refers to the mistress's breast-plate, a garment worn over the bodice of a gown. Although he is not talking about the metal breastplate that is part of a suit of armor, it is...