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And she at leisure may fulfil,

Unlet or hindered, all her will.

If lackeys hath she, let her heed

That this and that one forth she speed

While coin, if wisely on them spent,

Will greatly help her fond intent.

Or if she fears lest they should know

Her secret, make them drunk also.

Or to her husband may she say:

“I feel quite out of health to-day,

Some fever, gout, or inward grief,

Affecteth me past all belief;

Our baths are useless, I must hie

Me towards the bagnio presently;

A vapour bath alone can give

Me ease, if you would have me live.”

Though for a while the wretch delay

Consent, at last she gets her way;

For when he hath with sorry face

Pondered thereon, with wry grimace

He yields though of his shame afraid.

Then goes she with her chambermaid,

Or else some friendly neighbour, who

Knows well what ’tis her will to do,

Or some companion hath perchance

With whom she carries on love’s dance.

Then to the bagnio will she speed,

Though to the baths she gives small heed,

Or else perhaps the bathhouse shuns

And to her swain’s embraces runs.

Unless indeed between them ’twere

Agreed that they a bath should share,