"Sir, proceed; but take heed.
To deceive, I believe
Is your plan, and your present intention."
(But, alas! when a thing we much wish to be true,
We are apt to believe it is really so, too.
So the news Murphy heard was so sweet to his ear
That of present detection the monk had no fear.)
"Hush, hush, unbeliever!" the friar exclaimed;
"Such terms, in my presence, should ne'er once be named.
For of Mary's a monk I've the honour to be;