Awayin haste she to the cloister went,
          To see the friar she was quite intent,
          Though trembling lest she might disturb his ease;
          And one of his high character displease. 
          The girl exclaimed, as on she moved,—­Will he
          Such presents willingly bestow on me,
          Whose age, as yet, has scarcely reached fifteen? 
          With such can I be worthy to be seen? 
          Her innocence much added to her charms,
          The gentle wily god of soft alarms
          Had not a youthful maiden in his book,
          That carried more temptation in her look.

          Mostrev’rend sir, said she, by friends I’m told,
          That in this convent wit is often sold,
          Will you allow me some on trust to take? 
          My treasure won’t afford that much I stake;
          I can return if more I should require;
          Howe’er, you’ll take this pledge I much desire;
          On which she tried to give the monk a ring,
          That to her finger firmly seemed to cling.

          Butwhen the friar saw the girl’s design,
          He cried, good maid, the pledge we will decline,
          And what is wished, provide for you the same;
          ’Tis merchandize, and whatsoe’er its fame,
          To some ’tis freely giv’n:—­to others taught
          If not too dear, oft better when ’tis bought. 
          Come in and boldly follow where I lead;
          None round can see:  you’ve nothing here to heed;
          They’re all at prayers; the porter’s at my will;
          The very walls, of prudence have their fill.

          Sheentered as the holy monk desired,
          And they together to his cell retired. 
          The friar on the bed this maiden threw;
          A kiss would take:—­she from him rather drew;
          And said.—­To give one wit is this the way? 
          Yes, answered he, and round her ’gan to play: 
          Upon her bosom then he put his hand
          What now, said she, am I to understand? 
          Is this the way?—­Said he, ’tis so decreed;
          Then patiently she let the monk proceed,
          Who followed up, from point to point, his aim;
          And wit, by easy steps, advancing came,
          Till its progression with her was complete;
          Then Alice laughed, success appeared so sweet.

          A second dose the friar soon bestowed,
          And e’en a third, so fast his bounty flowed. 
          Well, said the monk, pray how d’ye find the play? 
          The girl replied:  wit will not long delay;
          ’Twill soon arrive; but then I fear its flight: 
          I’m half afraid ’twill leave me ere ’tis night. 
          We’ll see, rejoined the priest, that naught you lose;