There 's not the meanest woman in the world,

Not she I least could love in all the world,

Whom, did she love me, had love proved itself,

I dare insult as you insult me now.

Constance, I could say, if it must be said,

"Take back the soul you offer, I keep mine!"

But—"Take the soul still quivering on your hand,

The soul so offered, which I cannot use,

And, please you, give it to some playful friend,

For—what 's the trifle he requites me with?"