To give the dog our pilgrim was desired;
          But though he would not grant the thing required;
          He whispered to the maid the price he’d take,
          And some proposals was induced to make. 
          Said he, ’tis true, the creature ’s not for sale;
          Nor would I give it:  prayers will ne’er prevail;
          Whate’er I chance to want from day to day,
          It furnishes without the least delay. 
          To have my wish, three words alone I use,
          Its paw I squeeze, and whatsoe’er I choose,
          Of gold, or jewels, fall upon the ground;
          Search all the world, there’s nothing like it found. 
          Your lady’s rich, and money does not want;
          Howe’er, my little dog to her I’ll grant
          If she’ll a night permit me in her bed,
          The treasure shall at once to her be led.

          Themaid at this proposal felt surprise;
          Her mistress truly! less might well suffice;
          A paltry knave! cried she, it makes me laugh;
          What! take within her bed a pilgrim’s staff! 
          Were such a circumstance abroad to get,
          My lady would with ridicule be met;
          The dog and master, probably, were last
          Beneath a hedge, or on a dunghill cast;
          A house like this they’ll never see agen;—­
          But then the master is the pride of men,
          And that in love is ev’ry thing we find
          Much wealth and beauty please all womankind!

          Hisfeatures and his mien the knight had changed;
          Each air and look for conquest were arranged. 
          The maid exclaimed:  when such a lover sues,
          How can a woman any thing refuse? 
          Besides the pilgrim has a dog, ’tis plain,
          Not all the wealth of China could obtain. 
          Yet to possess my lady for a night,
          Would to the master be supreme delight: 

          I should have mentioned, that our cunning spark;
          The dog would whisper (feigning some remark,)
          On which ten ducats tumbled at his feet;
          These Atis gave the maid, (O deed discreet;)
          Then fell a diamond:  this our wily wight
          Took up, and smiling at the precious sight,
          Said he, what now I hold I beg you’ll bear,
          To her you serve, so worthy of your care;
          Present my compliments, and to her say,
          I’m her devoted servant from to-day.

          Thufemale quickly to her mistress went;
          Our charming little dog to represent: 
          The various pow’rs displayed, and wonders done;
          Yet scarcely had she on the knight begun,
          And mentioned what he wished her to unfold,
          But Argia could her rage no longer hold;