And gained a taste not suited to his station:
He liked to read, to reason, to discuss.
I, tired of scolding, without further fuss
Had the rogue flogged—all for the love of him.
He went and drowned himself—what a strange whim!
A strictly moral man have I been ever,
And never injured anybody—never.
My silly daughter fell in love, one day,
And with a tutor wished to run away.
I threatened curses, and pronounced my ban;