A CLOISTERED nun had a lover
Dwelling in the neighb’ring town;
Both racked their brains to discover
How they best their love might crown.
The swain to pass the convent-door!–
No easy matter!–Thus they swore,
And wished it light.–I ne’er knew a nun
In such a pass to be outdone:–
In woman’s clothes the youth must dress,
And gain admission. I confess
The ruse has oft been tried before,
But it succeeded as of yore.
Together in a close barred cell
The lovers were, and sewed all day,
Nor heeded how time flew away.–
“What’s that I hear? Refection bell!
“‘Tis time to part. Adieu!–Farewell!–
“How’s this?” exclaimed the abbess, “why
“The last at table?”–“Madam, I
“Have had my dress-maker.”–“The rent
“On which you’ve both been so intent
“Is hard to stop, for the whole day
“To sew and mend, you made her stay;
“Much work indeed you’ve had to do!
“–Madam, ‘t would last the whole night through,
“When in our task we find enjoyment
“There is no end of the employment.”
(Jean de La Fontaine)
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Based on Topics: Love Poems, Light Poems, Youth Poems, Woman Poems, Work & Career PoemsBased on Keywords: adieu, dwelling, mend, swain, discover, yore, swore, confess, nun, madam, brains