IT happened, howsoe'er, both weary grown,

Of halves that they so long had called their own;

One holyday, with them there chanced to drink

The village lawyer (bred in Satan's sink);

To him, said one of these, with jeering air,

Good mister Oudinet, a strange affair

Is in my head: you've doubtless often made

Variety of contracts; 'tis your trade:

Now, cannot you contrive, by one of these,

That men should barter wives, like goods, at ease?