thing to do with him, and because 'he is of a species of animals which I detest, and always shall. As for you,

you appear quite charmed with being 'decked out in green ribbands, with

writing billets dour to your mistress, ' and filling your pockets with citrons, 'pistachios, and such sort of stuff, with which you are always cramming the 'poor girl's mouth, in spite of her teeth: you hope to succeed by chanting ditties, composed in the days of Corrisande and of Henry IV. which you will swear you have composed in her praise: happy in practising the ' ceremonials of gallantry, you have ' no ambition for the essentials. Very well: every one has a particular way of acting, as well as a particular taste; "your's is to trifle in love; and, pro'vided you can make Mademoiselle de 'St. Germain laugh, you are satisfied:

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as for my part, I am persuaded, that women here are made of the same ma'terials as in other places, and I do not 'think that they can be mightily of'fended, if one sometimes leaves off trifling, to come to the point. How'ever, 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.'

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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 lamenting his ill-fortune to her one day: Have the goodness, madam,' said he, to let me know where you live: not a day passes 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 6 not mistress of the house. I do not 'tell you, that he is a man, whose 'acquaintance any one would very im

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patiently covet for his agreeable qua

lities: on the contrary, I agree that 'his humour is fantastical, and his 'manners not of the most pleasing 'cast; but there is nothing so savage and uncouth, which a little care, at

tention, 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 iv'ry 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, save woman, none would credit:

Win o'er her confidante and pages,

By gold, for this a golden age is;
And should it be her wayward fate,
To be incumbered with a mate,
A dull, old dotard should he be,
That dullness claims thy courtesy,

Keep in mind.

'Truly,' said Matta, 'the song may say what it pleases, but I cannot put 'it in practice: your husband is far too

exquisite a monster for me. Why, 'what a plaguy odd ceremony do you ' require of us in this country, if we 'cannot pay our compliments to the 'wife without being in love with the ' husband.