Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 36.djvu/133

Rh To her thatched hut, where wedlock's bands Were to unite their hearts and hands. Robert his steed begins to stride, With sorrow takes his future bride; With horror seized, and red with shame, He often strove to throw the dame, Or drown her, but was by the law Of chivalry still kept in awe. The lady with her knight delighted To him her race's deeds recited, How the great Clovis' royal sword The bosoms of three monarchs gored, Who were his friends, yet could obtain Pardon and heaven's high favor gain. From heaven she saw the famed dove bring To Remi, that illustrious king, The flask and oil so highly prized, Which he was smeared with when baptized. With all her narratives she blended Thoughts and reflections well intended, Sallies of wit, remarks refined, Which, without calling off the mind, Attention in who heard excited, And both instructed and delighted. Still does our knight with eager ears Devour the stories that he hears; Charmed when he heard his wife, but when He saw, the unhappiest of men. At length the ill-matched couple came To the thatched cabin of the dame; Preparing things with eager haste, The table for her spouse she placed;