Tenmonths from hence I’ll you a father make;
          No longer time than that I ask to take;
          This period o’er, the child to church we’ll bring,—­
          If true, said Nicia, what a glorious thing! 
          You’ll do me services I can’t express.—­
          Don’t doubt it, cried the spark of smart address: 
          Must I the fact so oft to you repeat? 
          I’ve seen it with my eyes; ’tis most complete;
          You mean to jest, assuredly my friend;
          Would you by doubts the great Mogul offend? 
          So handsomely this traveller he paid,
          No sign of discontent he e’er betrayed.

          ’Tisexcellent, the Florentine replied;
          Lucretia must be pleased to have it tried;
          What satisfaction! in her arms to view
          An infant that my lineage will renew. 
          Now, worthy friend, you god-father shall stand;
          This very day pray take the thing in hand.

          Notquite so fast, rejoined our smart gallant,
          First know the plan, before consent you grant;
          There is an ill attends the whole affair;
          But what below, alas! is free from care;
          This juice, possessing virtues so divine,
          Has also pow’rs that prove the most malign: 
          Whoe’er receives the patient’s first embrace;
          Too fatally the dire effects will trace;
          Death oft succeeds the momentary joy;
          We scarcely good can find without alloy.

          Yourservant; sir, said Nicia with surprise;
          No more of this:  the name will me suffice;
          Lucretia we will let remain at ease: 
          What you propose can never truly please;
          If I must die by getting of a son,
          ’Tis better far the benefit to shun;
          Go find some other for your wondrous art;
          In fact I’m not inclined with life to part.

          Howstrange your conduct, cried the sprightly youth: 
          Extremes you seek, and overleap the truth;
          Just now the fond desire to have a boy
          Chased ev’ry care and filled your heart with joy;
          At present quite the contrary appears
          A moment changed your fondest hopes to fears;
          Come, hear the rest; no longer waste your breath: 
          Kind Nature all can cure, excepting death. 
          What’s necessary pray, that things succeed? 
          Some youthful clod for once should take the lead,
          And clear the way of ev’ry venom round
          Then you with safety may commence to sound;
          No time you’ll lose, but instantly begin
          And you’ll most certainly your object win. 
          This step is necessary to the end;
          Some lad of little worth I recommend;