46 
BALLADE DE LA JOLIE MARION 
 
Fond limbs with mine were intertwined, 
A hand lascivious fondled me ; 
My ears grew deaf, my eyes grew blind, 
My tongue was hot from kisses free, 
Short madness, and we lazily 
Lolled back upon the bed of fire. 
I was a-weary—her desire 
Drew her upon me—Marion, fie ! 
You work our pleasure till I tire : 
But we must part, and love must die. 
 
Nor thus did love’s embraces wane, 
Though lusty limbs grow idle quite ; 
Our mouths’ red vales are over-fain 
To suck the sweetness from the night ; 
And amorously, with touches light, 
Steal passion from reluctant pain. 
So has the daystar fled again 
Before the blushes of the sky, 
So did I clasp thy knees in vain : 
For we must part, and love must die. 
 
You say another’s sensuous lips 
Shall open to my kisses there :