Kitap 2
Shall I, with patience, the known signal hear,
Retire, and leave a happy rival there!
600
What, tamely suffer the provoking wrong,
And be afraid to use my hands or tongue!
Corinna's husband kiss'd her in my sight;
I beat the saucy fool, and seiz'd my right.
I, like a fury, for my nymph engage,
605
And like a madman, when I miss her, rage.
My passion still prevails, convinc'd I yield!
He that submits to this is better skill'd.
Expose not, tho' you find her guilty flame,
Lest she abandon modesty and shame;
610
Conceal her faults, no secret crimes upbraid;
Nothing's so fond as a suspected maid.
Discover'd love increases with despair,
When both alike the guilt and scandal share:
All sense of modesty they lose in time,
615
Whilst each encourages the other's crime.
In heav'n this story's fam'd above the rest,
Amongst th' immortal drolls a standing jest.
