Could scarce be subject to such fluctuations.
Thus did they wage the contest, hither, thither
Running and smiting, till triumphantly
The damsel shouted, "Deuce!" Alas! mused I,
That lips so fair should utter words so base,
Yet would have held my peace, had not the youth
Turn'd unto me—"How's that; was that a fault?"
"A fault!" I answer'd; "aye, and worse than that;
Indeed, 'tis nigh a sin." "Go to," he said;
"Thou makest merry." So the sport went on;