Page:Victor Hugo's Works (Guernsey Edition) v14.djvu/93

Rh

Was 't not Torelli went hence, even now?

By the great walk? I think it was. Be sure

He saw us not in the pleached laurel alley.

Then you still bear me out, my husband lies?

That Malatesta's wife has not gone hence?

Trust a fool's eyes before a husband's tongue.

I say again, I was at hand last night

When your lord bore from Malatesta's house

Said Malatesta's wife. I saw the deed.

I heard the order given to bring her hither.

Then 't was by force, not by the lady's will,

She came?

Force? Quotha,—force? How many ladies

Have had to bless the "force" that saved their tongue

An awkward "yes!" See you not what an answer

"Force" finds for all? It stops a husband's mouth;

Crams its fist down the town's throat; nay, at a pinch,

Perks its sufficient self in a wife's face.

Commend me still to "force." It saves more credits

Than e'er it ruined virtues. After folly,

I hold force the best mask that wit has found

To mock the world with!