Said he, at first beside the bed I crept,

And listened if the miller near her kept,

Or whether he to converse was inclined,

And ev'ry way to act as was designed.

I then my wife was anxious to address,

And whispered that she should the youth caress;

Nor dread too much the spoiling of her charms:

Indeed 'twas all embarrassing alarms.

Don't think, said I, that either can deceive;

I ev'ry thing shall hear, you may believe;