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." "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: And he who first returns, or fears to go, Forfeits his cash."--Said Counter, "Be it so." The friends around them saw with much delight The social war, and hail'd the pleasant night; Nor would they further hear the cause discuss'd, Afraid the recreant heart of Clubb to trust. Now sober thoughts return'd as each withdrew, And of the subject took a serious view: "'Twas wrong," thought Counter, "and will grieve my love;" "'Twas wrong," thought Clubb, "my wife will not approve: But friends were present; I must try the thing, Or with my folly half the town will ring." He sought his lady--"Madam, I'm to blame, But was reproach'd, and could not bear the shame; Here in my folly--for 'tis best to say The very truth--I've sworn to have my way; To that Newmarket--(though I hate the place, And have no taste or talents for a race, Yet so it is--well, now prepare to chide) - I laid a wager that I dared to ride: And I must go: by heaven, if you resist I shall be scorn'd, and ridiculed, and hiss'd; Let me with grace before my friends appear, You know the truth, and must not be severe: He too must go, but that he will of course: Do you consent?--I never think of force." "You never need," the worthy Dame replied; "The husband's honour is the woman's pride: If I in trifles be the wilful wife, Still for your credit I would lose my life. Go! and when fix'd the day of your return, Stay longer yet, and let the blockheads learn That though a wife may sometimes wish to rule, She would not make th' indulgent man a fool; I would at times advise--but idle they Who think th' assenting husband must obey." The happy man, who thought his lady right In other cases, was assured to-night; Then for the day with proud delight prepared, To show his doubting friends how much he dared. Counter--who grieving sought his bed, his rest Broken by pictures of his love distress'd - With soft and winning speech the fair prepared: "She all his councils, comforts, pleasures shared: She was assured he loved her from his soul, She never knew and need not fear control; But so it happen'd--he was grieved at heart It happen'd so, that they awhile must part A little time--the distance was but short, And business called him--he despised the sport;