Chapter 2

MISFORTUNE, howsoe'er, would so direct The aged female nothing to neglect, Had with her got a lantern to conduct, The light from which at will she could obstruct, And, far more cunning than our learned sage, Perceived at once with whom she had t'engage; But, marking no surprise, she bade him wait, While she, his coming, to her dame should state. Said she, unless I tell her first you're here, I dare not let you in her room appear. Besides, you have not got the right attire; Undressed, in truth, is what she would desire. My lady, you must know, is gone to bed:-- Then, thrusting in a dressing room his head, He there beheld the necessary fare, Of night-cap, slippers, shirt, and combs for hair, With perfumes too, in Rome the nicest known, And fit for highest cardinals to own. His clothes the learned doctor laid aside; The aged female came his steps to guide; Through passages she led him by the hand, Where all was dark, and many turnings planned; At once bewildered, and deprived of sight, The lawyer tottered much for want of light. At length she ope'd a door, and pushed the sage, Where most unpleasantly he must engage, Though doubtless ev'ry way his proper place:-- The school where he was used the LAWS to trace! O'ercome with shame, confusion, and surprise, He nearly fainted, vain 'twere to disguise.

THE circumstances ran throughout the town; Each student then was waiting in his gown; Enough, no doubt, his fortunes to destroy; The laugh went round, and all was jest and joy. What, is he mad? said they, or would he seek Some lass, and with her wish to have a freak? Still worse arrived:--his beauteous spouse complained; A trial followed, and distractions reigned; Her relatives supported well the cause, And represented, that the MAN of LAWS, Occasioned jars and matrimonial strife; That he was mad, and she, a prudent wife, The marriage was annulled, and she withdrew: Retirement now the lady would pursue, In Vavoureuse a prelate blessed the dame, And, at Saint Croissant, she a nun became.

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