Meaning no more harm than a frightened sheep.
She sought for aid; and if she made mistake
I' the man could aid most, why—so mortals do:
Even the blessed Magdalen mistook
Far less forgivably: consult the place—
Supposing him to be the gardener,
'Sir,' said she, and so following." Why more words?
Forthwith the wife is pronounced innocent:
What would the husband more than gain his cause,
And find that honor flash in the world's eye.