Ballade I

Because I love and gladly serve this woman
must you call me degenerate and a fool?
She has something for the nicest taste
For her love I strap on shield and dagger
When clients come I run and get a pot
And go for wine taking care to be quiet
I offer them water, cheese, bread, and fruit
If they pay well I tell them “Bene stat
Stop in again the next time you feel horny
In this whorehouse where we hold our state.”