’Tis very common; only try around,
          And soon you’ll find, that sly amours abound. 
          Within the neighb’ring church go take your place,
          And, to the dames who pass in search of grace,
          Present your fingers dipt in water blessed:—­
          A sign for those who wish to be caressed. 
          In case the suppliant’s air some lady please,
          Who knows her trade, and how to act at ease,
          She’ll send a message, something to desire: 
          You’ll soon be found, wherever you retire,
          Though lodged so secretly, that God alone,
          Till then, your place of residence had known. 
          An aged female will on you attend,
          Who, used to this, will full assistance lend,
          Arrange an interview with wily art;
          No trouble take, you’ll have an easy part;
          No trouble did I say? why, that’s too much;
          Some things I would except, their pow’r is such;
          And proper ’tis, my friend, that I should hint,
          Attentions you at Rome should well imprint,
          And be discrete; in France you favours boast: 
          Of ev’ry moment here you make the most;
          The Romans to the greatest lengths proceed.

          So best, the spark replied, I like the deed;
          And, though no Gascon, I may boldly say;
          Superior prowess always I display. 
          Perhaps ’twas otherwise, for ev’ry wight;
          In this, to play the Gascon, thinks it right.

          To all the doctor’s words our youth adhered,
          And presently within a church appeared,
          Where daily came the choicest belles around,
          And loves and graces in their train were found,
          Or, if ’tis wished in modern phrase to speak,
          Attention num’rous angels there would seek. 
          Beneath their veils were beauteous sparkling eyes;
          The holy-water scarcely would suffice.

          Inlucky spot the spark his station took,
          And gave to each that passed a plaintive look;
          To some he bowed; to others seemed to pray,
          And holy water offered on their way. 
          One angel ’mong the rest the boon received,
          With easy pleasing air, that much relieved;
          On which the student to himself expressed,
          A fond belief, with her he might be blessed.

          Whenhome, an aged female to him came,
          And soon a meeting place he heard her name. 
          To count particulars howe’er were vain
          Their pranks were many, and their folly plain;
          The belle was handsome; ev’ry bliss was sought,
          And all their moments most delightful thought.

          He, to the doctor, ev’ry matter told
          Discretion in a Frenchman would be cold;
          ’Tis out of nature, and bespeaks the cit;
          Smells strong of shop, and would not fashion fit.