Licentiousness

It seems probable that the licentiousness ordinarily imputed to Sappho may be a calumny.

Assuming the appropriate name of Little, our author published in 1801, a volume of poems, chiefly amatory, which, though they established his poetical reputation, were severely censured for their warmth and licentiousness.

... and well considered, me thinks this is one of the most censurable parts of this licentiousnesse, in regard it laboureth to taint the whole body of conversation, as it corrupteth the nature of words, which are the Publique Faith, whereupon all innocent discourse must needs trust it selfe, so that this perversion seemeth a publick impediment to the commerce of all vertuous communication ...

Early mentality, in initiating phallic worship, was never in any way guilty of licentiousness or obscenity.