Which?

1889

So, the three Court-ladies began Their trial of who judged best In esteeming the love of a man: Who preferred with most reason was thereby confessed Boy-Cupid's exemplary catcher and cager; An Abbé crossed legs to decide on the wager.

First the Duchesse: "Mine for me-- Who were it but God's for Him, And the King's for--who but he? Both faithful and loyal, one grace more shall brim His cup with perfection: a lady's true lover, He holds--save his God and his king--none above her."

"I require"--outspoke the Marquise-- "Pure thoughts, ay, but also fine deeds: Play the paladin must he, to please My whim, and--to prove my knight's service exceeds Your saint's and your loyalist's praying and kneeling-- Show wounds, each wide mouth to my mercy appealing."

Then the Comtesse: "My choice be a wretch, Mere losel in body and soul, Thrice accurst! What care I, so he stretch Arms to me his sole saviour, love's ultimate goal, Out of earth and men's noise--names of 'infidel,' 'traitor,' Cast up at him? Crown me, crown's adjudicator!"

And the Abbé uncrossed his legs, Took snuff, a reflective pinch, Broke silence: "The question begs Much pondering ere I pronounce. Shall I flinch? The love which to one and one only has reference Seems terribly like what perhaps gains God's preference."