AFTER this, many letters passed between them, and Euryalus did not write any more passionately than Lucretia replied. For each had now only one desire, to be together; but this seemed difficult, almost impossible, for all eyes observed Lucretia. She never went out alone, was never without a gaoler. Argus did not more diligently guard Juno’s bull than Lucretia was watched, by Menelaus’ commands.

Now this is a vice common among the Italians, where every man shuts up his wife as if she were a treasure, and, in my opinion, quite uselessly. For almost all women are of such a nature that they most desire whatever they are most strictly forbidden: what you want, they don’t want, and what you refuse, they desire exceedingly. Give them a free rein, and they are less likely to transgress. Hence it is about as easy to guard an unwilling woman as to watch a flock of fleas in the broiling sun. Unless his wife is naturally chaste, it is in vain that a husband strives to bolt her in. Compel her? but who will watch the watchmen? For a wife is cunning, and begins with them. Woman is an ungovernable animal, whom no reins can control.