Martin Robertson

Now and Then

Beyond Measure

Uxorious the Duke.  While Angelo
nevermore touched poor Mariana’s skin,
nun Isabella, curdling from the sin,
was pawed and paddled night and day; and (though
hating herself and it) yet learned the taste
of pleasure, found in her bewildered heart
the instincts (as she judged them) of a tart,
a craving to be had by… well, you’ve guessed.
His lust, once lit, burned on.  So, did they find
relief?  No.  His fastidiousness could not
endure the image of her marriage-bed
any more than his own; and though not blind
to her desire, was shocked by it.  He sought
the pox at Mistress Overdone’s instead.