Classic Poem

Raynsford, a knight, fit to have served King Arthur,
And in Queen Mary's days a demi-martyr:
For though both then, before, and since he turned,
Yet sure, per ignem hanc , he might be burned —
This knight agreed with those of that profession,
And went, as others did, to make confession.
Among some peccadillos he confessed
That same sweet sin that some but deem a jest,
And told how, by good help of bawds and varlets,
Within twelve months he had six times twelve harlots.
The priest, that at the tale was half astonished,
With grave and ghostly counsel him admonished
To fast and pray, to drive away that devil
That was to him causer of so great evil,
That the lewd spirit of Lechery, no question,
Stirred up his lust, with many a lewd suggestion:
" A filthy fiend", said he, " most foul and odious,
Named, as appears, in holy writs, Asmodeus."
Thus, with some penance that was ne'er performed,
Away went that same knight, smally reformed.
Soon after this, ensued religious change,
That in the Church bred alteration strange,
And Raynsford, with the rest, followed the stream.
The priest went roving round about the realm.
This priest in clothes disguised himself did hide,
Yet Raynsford three years after him had spied,
And laid unto his charge, and sorely pressed him
To tell if 'twere not he that had confessed him.
The priest, though this knight's words did sore him daunt,
Yet what he could not well deny, did grant,
And prayed him not to punish, or control,
That he had done for safety of his soul.
" No, knave", quoth he, " I will not harm procure thee,
Upon my worship here I do assure thee.
I only needs must laugh at thy great folly
That wouldst persuade with me to be so holy;
To chastise mine own flesh, to fast and pray,
To drive the spirit of Lechery away.
Sounds, foolish knave, I fasted not, nor prayed,
Yet is that spirit quite gone from me", he said.
" If thou couldst help me to that spirit again,
Thou shouldst a hundred pound have for thy pain.
That lusty Lord of Lechery, Asmodeus,
That thou call'st odious, I do count commodious."