You say that when you come to me
You quite forget your dull ennui;
But tell me, Tomkins, is it fair,
To leave me your ennui to bear?

To excuse your folly, friend, you need not seek—
Who knows not Love is strong and Reason weak?

Virtuous and fair you are—and by my life
I should adore you—were you not my wife.

I marvel, Maud, that you're so fond of scandal,
Since you yourself give to it such a handle.

Seduce your wife! Nay, friend, your fears are vain—
D'ye think my taste so bad ? she's far too plain.