No climate like the south of France!

You’ve often heard, I dare to swear,

How plenty ortolans are there;

’Tis true, and more delicious meat,

Upon my honour, I ne’er eat;

The eggs are good; it was ill luck

What day I had not ten to suck;

Yet notwithstanding, to my goût,

The bird’s the sweeter of the two.”

He went on, talking pert and loud,