Theyouth to her proposal gave consent,
And
Constance instantly to business went;
The
means she used to take his clothes were such,
That
scarcely once his person felt her touch;
She
stopt not there, but even freely chose
To
take from off his feet, both shoes and hose
What,
say you:—With her hands did Constance this?
Pray
tell me what you see therein amiss?
I
wish sincerely I could do the same,
With
one for whom I feel a tender flame.
Betweenthe clothes in haste Camillus flew,
Without
inviting Constance to pursue.
She
thought at first he meant to try her love;
But
raillery, this conduct was above.
His
aim, howe’er more fully to unfold,
She
presently observed:—’Tis very cold;
Where
shall I sleep? said she:
Camillus
Just where you please;
Constance
What, on this chair?
Camillus
No,
no, be more at ease;
Come
into bed.
Constance
Unlace me then, I pray.
Camillus
I
cannot: I’m undressed, and cold as clay:
Unlace
yourself.—
Just
then the belle perceived
A
poinard, which anxiety relieved;
She
drew it from the scabbard, cut her lace,
And
many parts of dress designed for grace,
The
works of months, embroidery and flow’r
Now
perished in the sixtieth of an hour,
Without
regret, or seeming to lament,
What
more than life will of the sex content.
Yedames of Britain, Germany, or France,
Would
you have done as much, through complaisance?
You
would not, I’m convinced: the thing is clear;
But
doubtless this, at Rome, must fine appear.
PoorConstance softly to the bed approached,
No
longer now supposing she encroached,
And
trusting that, no stratagem again
Would
be contrived to give her bosom pain.
Camillus
said: my sentiments I’ll speak;
Dissimulation
I will never seek;
She
who can proffer what should be denied,
Shall
never be admitted by my side;
But
if the place your approbation meet,
I
won’t refuse your lying at my feet.
FairConstance such reproof could not withstand,
’Twas
well the poinard was not in her hand;
Her
bosom so severely felt the smart,
She
would have plunged the dagger through her heart:
But
Hope, sweet Hope! still fluttered to her view;