Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 36.djvu/124

Alcides' strength, Adonis' grace,
Gifts prized in every age and place.
Robert, near Paris, chanced to ride
By a wood, on Charenton's side;
Marton he saw, the blithe and fair,
A ribbon tied her flaxen hair:
Her shape was easy, dress so light,
Her leg it hid not from the sight.
Soon Robert's eyes such charms explored
As even saints might have adored;
The lily, with the blushing rose,
Combine a nosegay to compose,
Whose variegated hues are seen
Two panting globes of snow between;
Which never fail loves flame to raise
In all who on their beauties gaze;
Whilst her complexion's charms divine
The lustre of the flowers outshine.
To tell what was not told before,
A basket this fair creature bore,
And with attractions various graced
Made to the neighboring market haste
Of eggs and butter to dispose,
Which all her little stock compose.
Robert, who felt the amorous flame,
Leaped forward and embraced the dame;
"I've twenty crowns, my dear," he cried,
"Take them, and take my heart beside,
Take all I have, and take the donor."
Said Marton, "Sir, 'tis too much honor."
But Robert still so briskly plied her,
That down she fell, he fell beside her,