me to
the point: however, if the Marchioness is not of this way of thinking,
she may e'en provide herself elsewhere; for I can assure her, that I
shall not long act the part of her squire."

This was an unnecessary menace; for the Marchioness in reality liked him
very well, was nearly of the same way of thinking herself, and wished
for nothing more than to put his gallantry to the test. But Matta
proceeded upon a wrong plan; he had conceived such an aversion for her
husband, that he could not prevail upon himself to make the smallest
advance towards his good graces. He was given to understand that he
ought to begin by endeavouring to lull the dragon to sleep, before he
could gain possession of the treasure; but this was all to no purpose,
though, at the same time, he could never see his mistress but in public.
This made him impatient, and as he was lamenting his ill-fortune to her
one day: "Have the goodness, madam," said he, "to let me know where you
live: there is never a day that I do not call upon you, at least, three
or four times, without ever being blessed with a sight of you." "I
generally sleep at home," replied she, laughing; "but I must tell you,
that you will never find me there, if you do not first pay a visit
to the Marquis: I am not mistress of the house. I do not tell you,"
continued she, "that he is a man whose acquaintance any one would very
impatiently covet for his conversation: on the contrary, I agree that
his humour is fantastical, and his manners not of the pleasing cast; but
there is nothing so savage and inhuman, which a little care, attention,
and complaisance may not tame into docility. I must repeat to you some
verses upon the subject: I have got them by heart, because they contain
a little advice, which you may accommodate, if you please, to your own
case."

RONDEAU.

Keep in mind these maxims rare,
You who hope to win the fair;
Who are, or would esteemed be,
The quintessence of gallantry.

That fopp'ry, grinning, and grimace,
And fertile store of common-place;
That oaths as false as dicers swear,
And Wry teeth, and scented hair;
That trinkets, and the pride of dress,
Can only give your scheme success.
Keep in mind.

Has thy charmer e'er an aunt?
Then learn the rules of woman's cant,
And forge a tale, and swear you read it,
Such as,