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.