Tales and novels of Jean de La Fontaine

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.”