Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 36.djvu/130

108 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;