Unfit to rule, and indisposed to please; What if he govern, there his boast should end, No husband’s power can make a slave his friend.” It was the custom of these friends to meet With a few neighbours in a neighbouring street; Where Counter oft-times would occasion seize, To move his silent friend by words like these: “A man,” said he, “if govern’d by his wife, 100 Gives up his rank and dignity in life; Now better fate befalls my friend and me.”-- He spoke, and look’d th’ approving smile to see. The quiet partner, when he chose to speak, Desired his friend, “another theme to seek; When thus they met, he judged that state-affairs And such important subjects should be theirs.” But still the partner, in his lighter vein, Would cause in Clubb affliction or disdain; It made him anxious to detect the cause 110 Of all that boasting--“Wants my friend applause? This plainly proves him not at perfect ease, For, felt he pleasure, he would wish to please.-- These triumphs here for some regrets atone-- Men who are blest let other men alone.” Thus made suspicious, he observed and saw His friend each night at early hour withdraw; He sometimes mention’d Juliet’s tender nerves, And what attention such a wife deserves. “In this,” thought Clubb, “full sure some mystery lies--} He laughs at me, yet he with much complies, } 121 And all his vaunts of bliss are proud apologies.” } With such ideas treasured in his breast, He grew composed, and let his anger rest; Till Counter once (when wine so long went round That friendship and discretion both were drown’d) Began in teasing and triumphant mood His evening banter--“Of all earthly good, The best,” he said, “was an obedient spouse, Such as my friend’s--that every one allows: 130 What if she wishes his designs to know? It is because she would her praise bestow; What if she wills that he remains at home? She knows that mischief may from travel come. I, who am free to venture where I please, Have no such kind preventing checks as these; But mine is double duty, first to guide Myself aright, then rule a house beside; While this our friend, more happy than the free, Resigns all power, and laughs at liberty.” 140 “By Heaven,” said Clubb, “excuse me if I swear, I’ll bet a hundred guineas, if he dare, That uncontroll’d I will such freedoms take, That he will fear to equal--there’s my stake.” “A match!” said Counter, much by wine inflamed; “But we are friends--let smaller stake be named: Wine for our future meeting, that will I Take and no more--what peril shall we try?” “Let’s to Newmarket,” Clubb replied; “or choose Yourself the place, and what you like to lose; 150