Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882). Complete Poetical Works. 1893.
TranslationsFrom the French. Friar Lubin
By Clement Marot
T
So oft, the times I cannot tell;
To do vile deed, nor feel disgraced,—
Friar Lubin will do it well.
But a sober life to lead,
To honor virtue, and pursue it,
That’s a pious, Christian deed,—
Friar Lubin cannot do it.
The goods of others with his own,
And leave you without cross or pile,
Friar Lubin stands alone.
To say ’t is yours is all in vain,
If once he lays his finger to it;
For as to giving back again,
Friar Lubin cannot do it.
To woo and win some guileless maid,
Cunning pander need you none,—
Friar Lubin knows the trade.
Loud preacheth he sobriety,
But as for water, doth eschew it;
Your dog may drink it,—but not he;
Friar Lubin cannot do it.
Friar Lubin is stout and true;
Glimmers a ray of goodness through it,
Friar Lubin cannot do it.