To gallop off to town post-haste, <br />So oft, the times I cannot tell; <br />To do vile deed, nor feel disgraced,-- <br />Friar Lubin will do it well. <br />But a sober life to lead, <br />To honor virtue, and pursue it, <br />That's a pious, Christian deed,-- <br />Friar Lubin can not do it. <br /> <br />To mingle, with a knowing smile, <br />The goods of others with his own, <br />And leave you without cross or pile, <br />Friar Lubin stands alone. <br />To say 't is yours is all in vain, <br />If once he lays his finger to it; <br />For as to giving back again, <br />Friar Lubin cannot do it. <br /> <br />With flattering words and gentle tone, <br />To woo and win some guileless maid, <br />Cunning pander need you none,-- <br />Friar Lubin knows the trade. <br />Loud preacheth he sobriety, <br />But as for water, doth eschew it; <br />Your dog may drink it,--but not he; <br />Friar Lubin cannot do it. <br /> <br />ENVOY <br />When an evil deed 's to do <br />Friar Lubin is stout and true; <br />Glimmers a ray of goodness through it, <br />Friar Lubin cannot do it.<br /><br />Henry Wadsworth Longfellow<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/friar-lubin-from-the-french/
