I ought to step back, lead you by degrees,

Recounting at each step some fresh offence,

Up to the red bed,—never fear, I will!

Gaze at her, where I place her, to begin,

Confound me with her gentleness and worth!

The horrible pair have fled and left her now,

She has her husband for her sole concern:

His wife, the woman fashioned for his help,

Flesh of his flesh, bone of his bone, the bride

To groom as is the Church and Spouse to Christ: