Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 36.djvu/130

Whilst thus harangued our doughty spark,
All present said he hit the mark.
The queen's hand Robert kissed when cleared;
Then straight a haggard form appeared,
The hag of whom we spoke before,
With rags and dirt all covered o'er,
Crying out, "Justice," forward pressed,
And in these terms the queen addressed:
"Oh lovely queen, thy sex's pride,
Who always justly doth decide,
To whom fair equity is known,
Whilst mercy dwells beside thy throne;
By me this knight your secret knew,
The life I saved to me is due:
He swore, nor should the oath prove vain,
That I should what I wished obtain;
Upon your justice I rely,
And hope you won't my right deny."
Says Robert, "I deny it not,
I never a good turn forgot;
But, bate my armor, all I had
Was baggage, twenty crowns, and pad.
A monk, when Marton I caressed,
With pure religious zeal possessed,
As lawful prize seized on the whole,
For 'twere a sin to say he stole.
Though honest, since I'm broke outright,
I can't this friendly turn requite."
The queen replied, "What you have lost
Shall be repaid to friar's cost;
All parties shall be satisfied;
In three your fortune we'll divide;