Afraid the recreant heart of Clubb to trust.
Now sober thoughts return’d as each withdrew,
And of the subject took a serious view:
“’Twas wrong,” thought Counter, “and will grieve my love;”
“’Twas wrong,” thought Clubb, “my wife will not approve:
But friends were present; I must try the thing,
Or with my folly half the town will ring.”
He sought his lady - “Madam, I’m to blame,
But was reproach’d, and could not bear the shame;
Here in my folly - for ’tis best to say