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132

To enter here—nay, if he do,

I hope two swords may riddle through

My heart and belly. By my head,

My doting folly ’twas that sped

The Lover, but I’ll yet redress

By your good help my slothfulness.

Never again will I relax

My watchful care, but daily wax

More strict, and should a gallant come

Herein, he’ll wish himself at Rome.

By heaven, and earth, and hell, I swear

That never more while time doth wear

Shall ye find cause to say that I

Have played the watch-dog drowsily.”

A bound brought Danger to his feet.

As though prepared forthwith to meet

The world in arms. He seized his club,

And marched around with great hubbub,

Seeking if he perchance could spy

Some secret hole or gap, whereby

Strange steps might enter.

Thus alas!

By evil hap it came to pass

That Danger, who of late was good

On my behalf, now ready stood

To wreck my life, and I no more

Might have my will as heretofore.

Fair-Welcome have I lost! and oh!

What shivering horror seems to go

Through all my frame, awaked to fear

Lest ne’er again my lips come near