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Rh Then, if it prove some new-lit flame,

To whom, incautiously, the dame,

Hath given untimely rendezvous,

She’ll quick determine what to do;

And while she keeps the one close hid,

The later comer will she bid

Welcome in some small chamber near,

And grant the grace he seeks of her,

But let him know he must away

Forthwith, howe’er he beg to stay,

And though with rage and grief he cry,

Boldly to him will she reply:

Hence! hence! delay behoveth not,

For I within the house have got

My husband and my cousin kin,

And were you found by them herein,

I swear, by God and Saint Germain,

I ne’er should see your face again;

Another time I’ll gladly make

You welcome till the morning break,

But stay not now, nor hesitate,

My presence all those folk await.

The house of him she needs must clear,

For till he goes she’s racked with fear.

And then must she return in haste

To where the other one doth waste

His hour in terror, lest that he

Be dragged forth ignominiously;

And freeing him from where he’s hid,

For consolation doth she bid

Him welcome to her loving arms,

As solace for his past alarms;