this wine, it is altogether impossible to omit a reference to those _tête-à-tête_ repasts _en cabinet particulier_, of which it is the indispensable adjunct. Its mollifying influence on the feminine heart on occasions such as these has been happily hit off by Charles Monselet in his _Polichinelle au Restaurant_: [Illustration] '/Polichinelle au Restaurant./ I. In a cabinet of Vachette, Pomponnette Listens to the pressing lover; Who, before they've done their soup, Cock-a-hoop, Dares his passion to discover. II. Elbows resting on the cloth, Partly wrath-- So much do his words astound-- Resolute she to resist Being kissed, Draws her mantle closer round. III. Whilst in vain his cause he pressed, A third guest, Who in ice-pail by them slumbered, Rears above his wat'ry bed Silver head And long neck with ice encumbered. IV. 'Tis Champagne, who murmurs low, "Don't you know That when once you set me flowing, This fair rebel to Love's dart In her heart Soon will find soft passion glowing? V. This, if you will list to me, You shall see; Cease to swear by flames and fire, Cast aside each angry thought, As you ought, And at once cut through my wire, VI. For I am the King Champagne, And I reign Over e'en the sternest lasses, When midst maddening song and shout I gush out, Flooding goblets, bumpers, glasses. VII. As thus spoke the generous wine, Its benign Influence her heart 'gan soften. Who seeks such a cause to gain, To Champagne His success finds owing often.'[253] [Illustration] VI. /Champagne in England./