So I replied with all my scorn: “Be off with 
you; I am not the man to marry the mistress 
of certain persons whom I will not mention.” 
Certainly, of so courageous a self-denial I 
had every right to be proud; but unfortunately 
I awoke, and all my strength deserted me. 
“Indeed,” said I to myself, “I must have been 
very soundly asleep to show such scruples. Ah, 
if they could return now that I am awake I 
should not play the prude.” 
And I called aloud upon them, beseeching 
them to pardon me; offering to give up my 
honour as often as must be to deserve their 
favour; but I had doubtless bitterly offended 
them, for they have never returned.