Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 36.djvu/129

Unless I can the queen tell right
What 'tis gives women most delight."
"Courage, my son," the dame replied,
"'Tis God has to me been your guide,
'Tis for your good; then straight to court,
Boldly proceed and make report.
Let's go together, I'll unfold
The secret which must there be told;
But swear that for the life you owe,
Becoming gratitude you'll show;
That from you I shall have with ease
What never fails our sex to please.
An oath then from you I require
That you'll do all that I desire."
Robert, who scrupled not to swear,
From laughter could not well forbear.
"Be serious," cried the ancient dame,
"To laugh shows want of grace and shame;"
Then moving onward, hand in hand,
Before Queen Bertha now they stand.
The council met without delay,
Robert, asked what he had to say,
Cried, "Ladies, now your secret's out,
What you love most admits no doubt:
What, at all seasons, can content ye,
Is not of lovers to have plenty;
But woman, of whate'er degree,
Whate'er her qualities may be,
Desires to bear both night and day
O'er all about her sovereign sway:
Woman would always fain command,
If I lie, hang me out of hand."