| Hidden by old age awhile |
| In masker’s cloak and hood, |
| Each hating what the other loved, |
| Face to face we stood: |
| ‘That I have met with such,’ said he, |
| ‘Bodes me little good.’ |
| ‘Let others boast their fill,’ said I, |
| ‘But never dare to boast |
| That such as I had such a man |
| For lover in the past; |
| Say that of living men I hate |
| Such a man the most.’ |
| ‘A loony’d boast of such a love,’ |
| He in his rage declared: |
| But such as he for such as me— |
| Could we both discard |
| This beggarly habiliment— |
| Had found a sweeter word. |