Little Poems in Prose

So I replied with all my scorn: “Be off with you; I am not the man to marry the mistress of certain persons whom I will not mention.” Certainly, of so courageous a self-denial I had every right to be proud; but unfortunately I awoke, and all my strength deserted me. “Indeed,” said I to myself, “I must have been very soundly asleep to show such scruples. Ah, if they could return now that I am awake I should not play the prude.” And I called aloud upon them, beseeching them to pardon me; offering to give up my honour as often as must be to deserve their favour; but I had doubtless bitterly offended them, for they have never returned.