Tothis harangue the wary youth replied
          In truth, fair lady, I could ne’er decide,
          To criticise what others round may do.-
          ’Tis not the line I’d willingly pursue;
          And I will freely say, that your discourse
          Has much surprised me, though ’tis void of force. 
          To you it surely never can belong,
          To say variety in love is wrong;
          Besides, your sex, and decency, ’tis clear,
          To ev’ry disadvantage you appear. 
          What use this eloquence, and what your aim? 
          Such charms alone as your’s could me inflame;
          Their pow’r is great, but fully I declare,
          I do not like advances from the fair.

          To Constance this a thunder-clap appeared;
          Howe’er, she in her purpose persevered. 
          Said she, this treatment doubtless I deserve;
          But still, from truth my tongue can never swerve,
          And if I may presume my thoughts to speak,
          The plan which I’ve pursued your love to seek,
          Had never proved injurious to my cause,
          If still my beauty merited applause. 
          From what you’ve said, and what your looks express
          To please your sight, no charms I now possess. 
          Whence comes this change?—­to you i will refer;
          Till now I was admired, you must aver;
          And ev’ry one my person highly praised;
          These precious gifts, that admiration raised,
          Alas! are fled, and since I felt love’s flame,
          Experience whispers, I’m no more the same;
          No longer have charms that please your eyes: 
          How happy I should feel if they’d suffice!

          Thesuppliant belle now hoped to be allowed
          One half his bed to whom her sighs were vowed;
          But terror closed her lips; she nothing said,
          Though oft her eyes were to his pillow led. 
          To be confused the wily stripling feigned,
          And like a statue for a time remained.

          Atlength he said:—­I know not what to do;
          Undressing, by myself, I can’t pursue. 
          Shall I your valet call? rejoined the fair;
          On no account, said he, with looks of care;
          I would not have you in my chamber seen,
          Nor thought that here, by night, a girl had been,
          Your caution is enough, the belle replied: 
          Myself between the wall and bed I’ll hide,
          ’Twill what you fear prevent, and ills avoid;
          But bolt the door:  you’ll then be not annoyed;
          Let no one come; for once I’ll do my best,
          And as your valet act till you’re undressed;
          To am’rous Constance this permission grant
          The honour would her throbbing breast enchant.