MINUTOLO, while thus Catella spoke, Caressed her much, but silence never broke; A kiss e'en tried to gain, without success; She struggled, and refused to acquiesce; Begone! said she, nor treat me like a child; Stand off!--away!--thy taction is defiled; My tears express an injured woman's grief; No more thy wife I'll be, but seek relief; Return my fortune--go:--thy mistress seek; To be so constant:--How was I so weak? It surely would be nothing more than right, Were Richard I to see this very night, Who adoration constantly has paid:-- You much deserve to be a cuckold made; I'm half inclined, I vow, to do the worst. At this our arch gallant with laughter burst. What impudence!--You mock me too? she cried Let's see, with blushes if his face be dyed? When from his arms she sprang, a window sought; The shutters ope'd, and then a view she caught; Minutolo, her lover! * * * what surprise! Pale, faint, she instant grew, and closed her eyes: Who would have thought, said she, thou wert so base? I'm lost! * * * for ever sunk in dire disgrace!
WHO'LL, know it? Richard earnestly replied; In Jack's concealment we may both confide; Excuse the trick I've played and ne'er repine; Address, force, treachery, in love combine; All are permitted when intrigue 's the word; To hold the contrary were quite absurd. Till stratagem was used I naught could gain, But looks and darts from eyes, for all my pain. I've paid myself;--Would you have done it?--No; 'Tis all as might be wished;--come, smiles bestow; I'm satisfied, the fault was not with you. In this, to make you wretched, naught I view; Why sigh and groan?--What numbers could I name, Who would be happy to be served the same.
HIS reas'ning yet could not the belle appease; She wept, and sought by tears her mind to ease; Affliction highly added to her charms; Minutolo still gave her new alarms; He took her hand, which she at once withdrew: Away, she cried; no longer me pursue; Be satisfied; you surely don't desire That I assistance from the house require, Or rouse the neighbours with my plaintive cries I'll ev'ry thing declare without disguise.
SUCH folly don't commit, replied the spark; Your wisest plan is nothing to remark: The world at present is become so vile, If you the truth divulge, they'll only smile; Not one a word of treachery would believe, But think you came--and money to receive: Suppose, besides, it reached your husband's ears; Th' effect has reason to excite your fears; 'Twould give displeasure and occasion strife: Would you in duels wish to risk his life? Whatever makes you with him disagree, At all events, I'm full as bad as he.
