But beg the god of verse, when at a pinch,

To help me out and kind assistance lend,

To choose expressions which will not offend,

Lest I some silly things should chance to say,

That might displeasure raise, and spoil my lay.

Enough, howe'er, we've on the subject said:

'Tis time we t'wards the painting should be led,

Which an adventure you will find contains,

That happened once in Cupid's famed domains.

IN former days, just by Cythera town