But other secrets oftentimes we use. 
          Seek not those the smiling girl replied
          With this most perfectly I’m satisfied;
          Then be it so, said he, we’ll recommence,
          Nor longer keep the business in suspense,
          But to the utmost length at once advance;
          For this fair Alice showed much complaisance: 
          The secret by the friar was renewed;
          Much pleasure in it Bonadventure viewed;
          The belle a courtesy dropt, and then retired,
          Reflecting on the wit she had acquired;
          Reflecting, do you say?—­To think inclined? 
          Yes, even more:—­she sought excuse to find,
          Not doubting that she should be forced to say,
          Some cause for keeping her so long away.

          Twodays had passed, when came a youthful friend;
          Fair Nancy with her often would unbend;
          Howe’er, so very thoughtful Alice seemed,
          That Nancy (who was penetrating deemed)
          Was well convinced whatever Alice sought,
          So very absent she was not for naught. 
          In questioning she managed with such art,
          That soon she learned—­what Alice could impart
          To listen she was thoroughly disposed,
          While t’other ev’ry circumstance disclosed,
          From first to last, each point and mystick hit,
          And e’en the largeness of the friar’s wit,
          The repetitions, and the wondrous skill
          With which he managed ev’ry thing at will.

          Butnow, cried Alice, favour me I pray,
          And tell at once, without reserve, the way
          That you obtained such wit as you possess,
          And all particulars to me confess.

          IfI, said Nancy, must avow the truth,
          Your brother Alan was the bounteous youth,
          Who me obliged therewith, and freely taught,
          What from the holy friar you’d have bought. 
          My brother Alan!—­Alan!  Alice cried;
          He ne’er with any was himself supplied;
          I’m all surprise; he’s thought a heavy clot,
          How could he give what he had never got?

          Fool! said the other, little thou can’st know;
          For once, to me some information owe;
          In such a case much skill is not required,
          And Alan freely gave what I desired. 
          If me thou disbeliev’st, thy mother ask;
          She thoroughly can undertake the task.

On such a point we readily should say,
Long live the fools who wit so well display!

The Sick abbess