- Do you imagine that it would improve...

• Do you imagine that it would improve
• My chances if I said to her: “Madame.
• My fate is in your hands -- what’s more, I am
• A qualified lawyer -- if you need advice
• It’s yours for free. I’ve mastered all the nice
• Distinctions between Digests Old and New,
• And quite a lot of jurisprudence too.
• My legal prowess is at your disposal.”
• Of course, she’d be enthralled by that proposal!
• These proud, disdainful beauties secretly
• Long for a lover with a law degree!
• Some learned languishing, that’s what they want:
• The Prince of Precedents -- what a gallant!
• Don’t make me laugh, Cliton -- a martial manner
• Is what’s required: just slip in, when you can, a
• Grimace or two, a daring oath, a lie,
• A little jargon, the odd victory,
• A fortress with a funny-sounding name --
• To fascinate and thrill should be your aim.
• Watchtowers and trenches, battle plans, designs,
• Earthworks and counterscarps, angles, and lines --
• Mix it all up and throw it in the pot,
• And though she might be baffled, like as not
• She’ll think you’re a resourceful sort of chap,
• And count your love a feather in her cap.

Corneille, Pierre. Two Plays: The Liar, The Illusion. trans. Ranjit Bolt. Absolute Classics, Bath, England. 1989. p. 20.