And how the husband, playing Vulcan's part,

Told by the Sun, started in hot pursuit

To catch the lovers, and came halting up,

Cast his net, and then called the Gods to see

The convicts in their rosy impudence—

Whereat said Mercury, "Would that I were Mars!"

Oh it was rare, and naughty all the same!

Brief, the wife's courage and cunning,—the priest's show

Of chivalry and adroitness,—last not least,

The husband—how he ne'er showed teeth at all,