THE dame at any price the dog would buy, In case the master should the boon deny. To give the dog our pilgrim was desired; But though he would not grant the thing required; He whispered to the maid the price he'd take, And some proposals was induced to make. Said he, 'tis true, the creature 's not for sale; Nor would I give it: prayers will ne'er prevail; Whate'er I chance to want from day to day, It furnishes without the least delay. To have my wish, three words alone I use, Its paw I squeeze, and whatsoe'er I choose, Of gold, or jewels, fall upon the ground; Search all the world, there's nothing like it found. Your lady's rich, and money does not want; Howe'er, my little dog to her I'll grant If she'll a night permit me in her bed, The treasure shall at once to her be led. THE maid at this proposal felt surprise; Her mistress truly! less might well suffice; A paltry knave! cried she, it makes me laugh; What! take within her bed a pilgrim's staff! Were such a circumstance abroad to get, My lady would with ridicule be met; The dog and master, probably, were last Beneath a hedge, or on a dunghill cast; A house like this they'll never see agen;-- But then the master is the pride of men, And that in love is ev'ry thing we find Much wealth and beauty please all womankind! HIS features and his mien the knight had changed; Each air and look for conquest were arranged. The maid exclaimed: when such a lover sues, How can a woman any thing refuse? Besides the pilgrim has a dog, 'tis plain, Not all the wealth of China could obtain. Yet to possess my lady for a night, Would to the master be supreme delight: I SHOULD have mentioned, that our cunning spark; The dog would whisper (feigning some remark,) On which ten ducats tumbled at his feet; These Atis gave the maid, (O deed discreet;) Then fell a diamond: this our wily wight Took up, and smiling at the precious sight, Said he, what now I hold I beg you'll bear, To her you serve, so worthy of your care; Present my compliments, and to her say, I'm her devoted servant from to-day.