XL + 

I tried when I began this tale, + 

(See the first canto if ye will), + 

A ball in Peter’s capital, + 

To sketch ye in Albano’s style. + 

But by fantastic dreams distraught, + 

My memory wandered wide and sought + 

The feet of my dear lady friends. + 

O feet, where’er your path extends + 

I long enough deceived have erred. + 

The perfidies I recollect + 

Should make me much more circumspect, + 

Reform me both in deed and word, + 

And this fifth canto ought to be + 

From such digressions wholly free. + 