Poems (Stoddard)/The Abbot of Unreason

THE ABBOT OF UNREASON.
I LOOKED over the balustrade—The twilight had come—And saw the pretty waiting-maidKiss Roland, the page.
My lady heard the wolf-dog's chainClank on the floor;Sly Roland caught it up again,And whistled a song.
Oh! they think that my heart is cold,Under my gown;Not till I blacken into mouldWill it cease to burn.
Burn, burn for such sweet red lips!I am almost mad,Even to touch her finger tips,When we meet alone.
Roland, the page, goes here and there,Loving, and loved,Women like his devil-may-care,Till they are forgot!
Whether I am in castle or inn,With sinner or saint,Never can I a woman win,—I am but a priest!