While at a word the Sun King’s whores
by satin sheets shed silken drawers,
the soldiers in his holy wars
laid bare-bummed girls on dirty floors.
Now doubtless this was most unjust
is it not true that Louis must
have in the ceremony of lust
envied that coupling in the dust?
And did he not perceive the waste,
pine for the more compelling taste
of greater need- the urgent act
performed in necessary haste?
And yet what soldier, with his will
drained by some common, casual Jill
wished Louis anything but ill
and envied him his harlots’ skill,
or when some quick, outlandish wench
had made his spastic thighs unclench
did not regret the slow and sure
sophistication of the French?