So the genteel adult'ress, on her charms

So the genteel adult'ress, on her charms Relying, with feigned warmth and false alarms, Stands sure of her soothed consort; now she faints, Now, agitated, pours forth wild complaints; From her disloyal bosom breathes deep sighs, And for a flood of tears prepares her eyes; Storms at the servants for their lawful zeal, And acts the indignant rage she does not feel: Her honest husband, credulous, beholds, And growing tenderer as she louder scolds, Gives useless satisfaction to his wife, Embraces, kneels to her to end the strife, Drinks with warm kiss the atrocious tears that rise To his dear Portia's well commanded eyes: But, though her protestations more renew, Her escritoire will tell thee if they are true; Search but the desk, and, gracious Gods! what schemes Must be found out, in what perfidious reams!