Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
France: Vols. IX–X. 1876–79.

Miscellaneous

Friar Lubin

By Clément Marot (1496–1544)

Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

TO gallop off to town post-haste,

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.

To mingle, with a knowing smile,

The goods of others with his own,

And leave you without a 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.

With flattering words and gentle tone,

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.