Classic Poem

(Ballade de la belle heaulmiere aux filles de joie)

Now hearken, La Belle Gantiere,
Scholar of mine, to me,
And Blanche la Savetiere
Fate in my fortune see.
Take right and left your fee
From men, however placed,
For age-bound women be
Useless as coin defaced.

And you, la Saulcissiere
Who danceth so cunningly,
Guillemette la Tapissiere,
Age must your windows free
Shutter, whilst Love, pardie!
Turns, as from some old priest,
Useless for love, as ye,
Useless as coin defaced.

Jeannette la Chaperonniere,
Guard thee from knavery;
Katherine l'Esperonniere
Turn not a man from thee
Who pays — for thy beauty
Endures not, and displaced
Youth leaves Humanity
Useless as coin defaced.

ENVOI

Girls, would you gather why
My tears and my sighs I waste?
Behold me, as here I lie
Useless as coin defaced.