And Cath’rine’s palpitating breast
A momentary shame confess’d:
For well they knew, Old Robin’s tale
Soon through the village would prevail,
And bring a host about their ears,
With pity some, and some with jeers.
But guilt and folly must endure
The caustics that effect a cure.
Whang therefore strove, with patient heart,
To bear th’ anticipated smart;