Classic Poem

The woman left, and, for my part, I went
Straight to the postern gate she'd told me of,
Beseeching God to guide me to my goal.
I reached the gateway silently, and found
That she'd unlocked and left it half ajar.
I entered in and closed the door behind;
And then I felt secure, especially
Because I knew that Evil Tongue was dead.
No one's demise e'er pleased me half so much!
Beyond I saw his doorway battered down,
And entering there found Love within the gate
With all his host who came to bear me aid.
Great help they gave me when they broke that door!
May they be blessed by God and Saint Benoit!
There were False Seeming, traitorous son of Fraud,
Pretended priest, Hypocrisy, his dame,
Who against virtue feels such bitterness,
Also Forced Abstinence, who is with child,
And ready to give birth to antichrist,
Whose father is False Seeming, as I've read.
'Twas they destroyed the gate, beyond a doubt,
And so I prayed for them, whate'er might hap.
Seignors who traitors wish to learn to be
Should hire False Seeming as their pedagogue
And take unto themselves Forced Abstinence;
For both of these, of feigned simplicity,
Are masters of duplicity itself.
When I perceived the door was smashed and seized,
And found the weaponed host already there
Ready to make assault before my eyes,
No one need ask if I was joyful then.
As I profoundly pondered how to find
Sweet Sight again, God bless him! there he was,
For Love had summoned him to comfort me.
Too long I'd lost him! When I saw him there,
I almost fainted for excess of joy;
And he, when he perceived me, was most glad
Of my return, and me Fair Welcome showed,
Who, leaping from his seat, came to me straight,
Like the well-taught and courteous youth he was
By training of his mother. My salute
Most promptly he returned, and gave me grace
Because I'd sent the wreath to him. Said I,
" Sir, do not take the trouble; 'tis not you
Should thank me, but 'tis I have you to thank
One hundred thousand times because you've done
Such honor to me in accepting it.
Know well that, if it please you, I have not
A single thing but that belongs to you —
With which you may do whatsoe'er you wish,
Though it should make a man to laugh or cry.
All that I wish is but to be your slave,
To honor and to serve you all my life.
If you in anything give me commands,
Or let me know what's wanted without speech,
Or if in other ways I find it out,
Body and goods and, truly, even soul
I'll cast into the balance, nor will have
The least remorse of conscience. Now I pray,
In order that you may be sure of me,
That you'll put me to trial, and, if I fail,
Never again may I feel sensual joy. "

" I thank you, sir, " said he, " and I would add
That if I've anything that might you please
You're welcome to it. Take it without leave;
My goods, my honor, and myself are yours. "

" One hundred thousand times I give you thanks, "
Said I, " for all the grace you've shown to me;
But though you offer to me all you have,
I must reply that I have no desire
Or expectation of another thing
Than that which you've already tendered me
And which has given my heart a greater joy
Than all the gold of Alexandria could give. "