The Pearl/Volume 8/Temptation.

Papa and Mamma, Arabella and I, Were sitting at supper with nobody by; Now because they believe me a cozy old fellow, They want to induce me to wed Arabella.

I like the girl well, but I don't choose to wed, Fair Bella perceives I'm not easily led; But while Papa told me some prosy old fable, She was scratching her marrowbones under the table.

She look'd in my face, and on our eyes catching, I just turn'd my head to see what she was scratching; She had got her right ankle upon her left knee, Up to her left garter I fairly could see.

She look'd in my face without shame or aversion, While scratching her nakedness for my diversion; While I sat electrifyd stuck like a fool, She put down her petticoats easy and cool.

And ten minutes after she did it again, Though knowing I look'd and saw it quite plain; Come - there was a prank for a delicate virgin, Who thought an old bachelor wanting some urging!