Ballard of Old-Time Ladies.

Ballard of Old-Time Ladies.
François Villon
122.6

Tell me where, in what land of shade,
Bides fair Flora of Rome, and where
Are Thais and Archiplade,
Cousins-german of beauty rare,
And Echo, more than mortal fair,
That when one calls by the river-flow
Or marish, answers out of the air?
But what is become of last year’s snow?

Where did the learn’d Heloisa vade,
For whose sake Abelard might not spare
(Such dole for love on him was laid)
Manhood to lose and a cowl to wear?
And where is the queen who willed whilere
That Buridan, tied in a sack, should go
Floating down Seine from turret-stair?
But what is become of last year’s snow?

Blanche, too, the lily-white queen, that made
Sweet music as if she a siren were;
Broad-foot Bertha; and Joan the maid,
The good Lorrainer, the English bare
Captive to Rouen and burned her there;
Beatrix, Eremburge, Alys-lo!
Where are they, Virgin debonair?
But what is become of last year’s snow?

ENVOL
Prince, you may question how they fare
This week, or liefer this year, I trow;
Still shall the answer this burden bear,
But what is become of last year’s snowt