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24 in their mouths; secondly, we are rid of dynamite when once it has exploded, but, on the other hand, we can never actually be quit of a kiss—without at the same time returning it; for we take back the kisses we give, you know, and we give, too, those we take back—and, adds the proverb, "nobody is the loser." Einen Kuss den man raubt giebt man wieder (One returns a stolen kiss), say the Germans; and the Spaniards have expressed the same thought in a neat little copla: "Dost thy mother chide thee for having given me a kiss? Then take back, dear girl, thy kiss, and bid her hold her tongue."

Marot has treated the same subject in his epigram Le Baiser Volé, or the Stolen Kiss.

About my daring now you grieve,

To snatch a kiss without ado,

Nor even saying, "By your leave."

Come, I will make my peace with you,

And now I want you to believe

I'm loth your soul again to grieve

By theft of kisses, since, alack,

My kiss has wrought such dole and teen;