THE host one evening from the mansion went; A friend he left himself to represent, And with the charming fair supply his place, Which, in the dark he thought, with easy grace, Might be effected, if he held his tongue, And properly behaved the whole night long. To this the other willingly agreed; (What friend would be refused, if thus in need?) And this new-comer had complete success He scarcely could his ecstacy express. THE dame exclaimed:--pray how could he pretend; To treat me so, and leave me to a friend? The other thought the host was much to blame; But since 'tis o'er, said he, be now your aim, To punish his contempt of beauteous charms; With favours load me--take me to your arms; Caress with fond embrace; bestow delight; And seem to love me, though in mere despite. SHE followed his advice: avenged the wrong; And naught omitted, pleasures to prolong. If he obtained his wishes from the fair, The host about it scarcely seemed to care. THE sixth adventure of our charming belle, Some writers one way, some another tell; Whence many think that favour I have shown, And for her, one gallant the less would own. Mere scandal this; from truth I would nor swerve, To please the fair: more credence I deserve; Her husband only eight precursors had; The fact was such;--I none suppress nor add. THE host returned and found his friend content; To pardon him Alaciel gave consent; And 'tween them things would equally divide Of royal bosoms clemency's the pride. WHILE thus the princess passed from hand to hand She oft amused her fancy 'mong a band Of charming belles that on her would attend, And one of these she made an humble friend. The fav'rite in the house a lover had, A smart, engaging, handsome, clever lad, Well born, but much to violence inclined A wooer that could scarcely be confined To gentle means, but oft his suit began, Where others end, who follow Cupid's plan.