T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
Ballad of Ladies Love, No. 2
By François Villon (14311463?)(Translated by John Payne) WHOSO in love would bear the bell,I. | |
Needs must he prank him gallantly, | |
Swagger and ruffle it, bold and snell, | |
And when to his lady’s sight comes he, | |
Don cloth of gold and embroidery; | 5 |
For ladies liken a goodly show. | |
This should serve well; but, by Marie, | |
Not all can nick it that will, heigho! | |
II. Once on a season in love I fell | |
With a lady gracious and sweet to see, | 10 |
Who spoke me fair, that she liked me well | |
And gladly would hearken to my plea, | |
But first I must give to her for fee | |
Fifty gold crowns, not less nor mo’. | |
Fifty gold crowns?—O’ right good gree! | 15 |
Not all can nick it that will, heigho! | |
III. To bed I went with the damsel | |
And there four times right merrily | |
I did to her what I may not tell | |
In less than an hour and a half, perdie. | 20 |
Then with a failing voice said she, | |
“Once more, I prithee! my heart is woe.” | |
Once more, quotha, sweetheart? Ah me, | |
Not all can nick it that will, heigho! | |
ENVOI. Great God of love, I crave of thee, | 25 |
If ever again I lay her low, | |
Ne’er let my lance untempered be, | |
Not all can nick it that will, heigho! | |