A ship under sail and a big-bellied woman, Are the handsomest two things that can be seen common.

The line pairs two images Franklin found aesthetically pleasing: a ship moving under full sail (a familiar emblem of grace, power, and human ingenuity) and a visibly pregnant woman (a frank celebration of fertility and impending new life). The phrasing “that can be seen common” suggests these are not rare wonders but everyday sights available to ordinary people—beauty in the commonplace. The remark also reflects Franklin’s characteristic earthiness and willingness to treat sexuality and reproduction without prudishness, though modern readers may hear objectification in the comparison. As a quotation, it is often cited to illustrate Franklin’s blend of wit, sensuality, and admiration for practical, life-affirming realities.