Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Friar Lubin
To gallop off to town post-haste,
       &nbsp So oft, the times I cannot tell;
To do vile deed, nor feel disgraced,—
       &nbsp Friar Lubin will do it well.
But a sober life to lead,
       &nbsp To honor virtue, and pursue it,
That's a pious, Christian deed,—
       &nbsp Friar Lubin can not do it.

To mingle, with a knowing smile,
       &nbsp The goods of others with his own,
And leave you without cross or pile,
       &nbsp Friar Lubin stands alone.
To say 't is yours is all in vain,
       &nbsp If once he lays his finger to it;
For as to giving back again,
       &nbsp Friar Lubin cannot do it.


With flattering words and gentle tone,
       &nbsp To woo and win some guileless maid,
Cunning pander need you none,—
       &nbsp Friar Lubin knows the trade.
Loud preacheth he sobriety,
       &nbsp But as for water, doth eschew it;
Your dog may drink it,—but not he;
       &nbsp Friar Lubin cannot do it.

       &nbsp       &nbsp ENVOY
       &nbsp When an evil deed 's to do
       &nbsp Friar Lubin is stout and true;
       &nbsp Glimmers a ray of goodness through it,
       &nbsp Friar Lubin cannot do it.