The better part of valour

He makes himself agreeable to her,
When standing near the fire; there is tact
And sweet diplomacy; he might prefer
A coarser turn of phrase, but, with odds stacked
In his favour, he’s happy to remit
The stronger references that she’d expect
And finds a better way of saying it:
The indiscretion will be circumspect
And she consoles herself – he won’t require
Surrender on her sleeve; for there is charm
And courtesy, of which she’ll never tire:
It veils her from her fears and from the harm
That ruder, rougher episodes recall
Were he to be far less agreeable