Curate.—I don't like "I am far before her." We say, "I am not behind" in hate or love—I doubt "before."
Aquilius.—Easily mended—thus then,—
Why? Because in words of hate
I go far beyond her,
Yet no jot of love abate—
But still grow the fonder.
Gratian.—Probatum est.
Aquilius.—The Curate is too quick upon me. We must go back: he has left out "De Inconstantia Feminei Amoris."
Curate.—True. Here is my version. Not being a happy subject, I passed over it.
OF WOMAN'S INCONSTANCY.
My pretty she will none but me
For husband, though were Jove, her wooer.
So tells she me: but what a she
Says to her lover and pursuer,
Might well be written on the wind,
Or stream that leaves no track behind.
Aquilius.—I object to "pretty she," for mulier. I think, however, that mulier here is a word of contempt. I make it out thus: