But I’ll no husband! not I! no!

The man has not been born, I ween,

Who as my husband shall be seen;

And since what frequent tricks have been

Undoubtingly I know,—

In vain they say, “Go, marry! go!”

For I’ll no husband! not I! no!

Gil Vicente (d. 1557). Trans. Ticknor.

THE FAIR CELIBATE.