Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Complete. Jean de la Fontaine

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      OUR second gossip thus obtained success;

      But now the third: we'll see if she had less:

      To female friends she often visits paid,

      And various pastimes there had daily play'd;

      A leering lover who was weary grown,

      Desired ONE night she'd meet him quite alone.

      TWO, if you will, replied the smiling fair;

      A trifle 'tis you ask, and I'll repair

      Where'er you wish, and we'll recline at ease;

      My husband I can manage, if I please,

      While thus engag'd.—The parties soon agreed;

      But still the lady for her wits had need,

      Since her dear man from home but rarely went,

      No pardons sought at Rome, but was content

      With what he nearer got, while his sweet wife

      More fondness mark'd for gratifying life,

      And ever anxious, warmest zeal to show,

      Was always wishing distant scenes to know;

      As pilgrim oft she'd trod a foreign road,

      But now desir'd those ancient ways t'explode;

      A plan more rare and difficult she sought,

      And round her toe our wily dame bethought,

      To tie a pack-thread, fasten'd to the door,

      Which open'd to the street: then feign'd to snore

      Beside her husband, Harry Berlinguier,

      (So, usually, they nam'd her wedded dear.)