To visit an acquaintance you don’t know.

Poor man, he’s ailing at his lodging, far

Beyond the bridge, where Cæsar’s gardens are.”

“Oh, never mind; I’ve nothing else to do,

And want a walk, so I’ll step on with you.”

Down go my ears in donkey-fashion, straight;

You’ve seen them do it, when their load’s too great.

“If I mistake not,” he begins, “you’ll find

Viscus not more, nor Varius, to your mind;

There’s not a man can turn a verse so soon,