Pierre and Marianne

There was a fair and youthful man

Called Pierre LeBlanc was he

Who loved a girl called Marianne

Who lived in far Paris

One day there came by messenger

A letter in her hand

That begged him come and marry her

And travel across the land.

"Ho-ho!" said Pierre, "my fortune's fair

My lady calls to me."

He packed his bags upon his mare

And off on the quest went he.

Once in Province he met by chance

A man whose back was bare

"Good sir," said he, "come pity me,

I have not a stitch to wear

"I'll offer for your threadbare cloak

This blessed and rare acorn

That grows into a silver oak

Sure as the lord was born."

"Ho-ho!" said Pierre," my fortune's fair

To own such a useful tree."

He tucked it safe in his underwear

And went off cloaklessly.

As Pierre rode on he chanced upon

A man who came beside

"Good sir," said he, "it saddens me

to see that poor beast you ride.

That nag won't carry you a mile

Then she'll be surely dead.

To save you trouble, give her here.

I'll give you this ass instead!"

"Ho-ho!" said Pierre, "my fortune's fair

To dodge a calamity!"

So off he went on the donkey's back

To travel towards Paris.

As Pierre approached the city gates

A beggar raised a cry

"By God, it is the King of France!"

And bowed as Pierre rode by.

"Your majesty, I know it's you,

Though you don't wear your crown

For royal men ride as you do

A-jouncing up and down!"

"Ho-ho!" said Pierre, "my fortune's fair

Mistaken for King Louis!"

He gave his purse with a lofty air

For the beggar's flattery.

As Pierre rode down the Paris street

Waving left and right

Marianne came out to greet

Her bold and shining knight.

"My dear, I bring you my good ass,

I'm told I ride it well!

I've got a gift in my underwear,

We'll share at the wedding bell!"

"Ho-ho!" said she, "my fortune's fair,

To find such a lusty man!"

So with their wedding ends the tale

Of Pierre and Marianne!