Considering how to act, or what to say;

Then rose, (his spouse believing not awake,)

And softly treading, lest the room should shake;

The pack-thread follow'd to the outer door,

And thence concluded (what he might deplore,)

That his dear partner from her faith would stray,

And some gallant that night design'd to play

The lover's part and draw the secret clue,

When she would rise, and with him freaks pursue,

While he (good husband!) quietly in bed