To make a Roman sort of Sabine wedding,

Without the expense and the suspense of bedding.

CXXII.

Some voices of the buxom middle-aged

Were also heard to wonder in the din

(Widows of forty were these birds long caged)

"Wherefore the ravishing did not begin!"

But while the thirst for gore and plunder raged,

There was small leisure for superfluous sin;

But whether they escaped or no, lies hid