I think the reader I’ve already told,
          Our husband loved rich presents to behold;
          Though none he made, yet all he would receive;
          Whate’er was offered he would never leave.

          Magnificenta handsome horse had got,
          It ambled well, or cantered, or would trot;
          He greatly valued it, and for its pace,
          ’Twas called the Pad; it stept with wond’rous grace: 
          By Aldobrandin it was highly praised;
          Enough was this:  the knight’s fond hopes were raised;
          Who offered to exchange, but t’other thought,
          He in a barter might perhaps be caught. 
          ’Tis not, said he, that I the horse refuse;
          But I, in trucking, never fail to lose.

          Onthis, Magnificent, who saw his aim;
          Replied, well, well, a better scheme we’ll frame;
          No changing we’ll allow, but you’ll permit,
          That for the horse, I with your lady sit,
          You present all the while, ’tis what I want;
          I’m curious, I confess, and fort it pant. 
          Besides, your friends assuredly should know
          What mind, what sentiments may from her flow. 
          Just fifteen minutes, I no more desire: 
          What! cried the other, you my wife require? 
          No, no, pray keep your horse, that won’t be right. 
          But you’ll be present, said the courteous knight. 
          And what of that? rejoined the wily spouse. 
          Why, cried Magnificent, then naught should rouse
          Your fears or cares, for how can ill arise,
          While watched by you, possessed of eagle-eyes?

          Thehusband ’gan to turn it in his mind;
          Thought he, if present, what can be designed? 
          The plan is such as dissipates my fears;
          The offer advantageous too appears;
          He’s surely mad; I can’t conceive his aim;
          But, to secure myself and wife from shame;
          Without his knowledge, I’ll forbid the fair
          Her lips to open, and for this prepare.

          Come, cried old Aldobrandin, I’ll consent: 
          But, said the other, recollect ’tis meant,
          So distant from us, all the while you stay,
          That not a word you hear of what I say. 
          Agreed, rejoined the husband:—­let’s begin;
          Away he flew, and brought the lady in.

          Whenour gallant the charming belle perceived;
          Elysium seemed around, he half believed. 
          The salutations o’er, they went and sat
          Together in a corner, where their chat
          Could not be heard, if they to talk inclined;
          Our brisk gallant no long harangues designed,
          But to the point advanced without delay;