Thus always teasing others, and days teas'd, His only pleasure is to be displeas'd

Pleasure admitted in undue degree Enslaves the will, nor leaves the judgment free.

That, though on pleasure she was bent, She had a frugal mind.

Who pleases one against his will.

Thus conscience does make cowards of us all.

Ah, now,” crooned Adam, “here we are, then.” With infinite care, as though he were handling a babe, he lifted the sword out, and a sigh seemed to go through him. “Ah, my lovely, it’s been far too long.”

“Shall I leave you two alone, then?” Eliza’s lips twitched. She’d never seen such a look of reverence mixed with old familiarity. It was nearly indecent.

Adam spared her a glance. “Quiet woman, a man’s relationship with his sword is a sacred thing.”

“So I’ve heard.