The Poetry Corner

Sister Jane

By Jean de La Fontaine

WHEN Sister Jane, who had produced a child, In prayer and penance all her hours beguiled Her sister-nuns around the lattice pressed; On which the abbess thus her flock addressed: Live like our sister Jane, and bid adieu To worldly cares: - have better things in view. YES, they replied, we sage like her shall be, When we with love have equally been free.