[Jacopone da Todi, Senno me par e cortisia, “Laude”, LXXXVII, 13th century.]
Wisdom 'tis and Courtesy,
Crazed for Jesus Christ to be.
No such learning can be found
In Paris, nor the world around;
In this folly to abound
Is the best philosophy.
Who by Christ is all possessed,
Seems afflicted and distressed,
Yet is Master of the best,
In science and theology.
Who for Christ is all distraught,
Gives his wits, men say, for naught;
—Those whom Love hath never taught,
Deem he erreth utterly.
He who enters in this school,
Learns a new and wondrous rule:—
"Who hath never been a fool,
Wisdom's scholar cannot be."
He who enters on this dance,
Enters Love's unwalled expanse;
—Those who mock and look askance,
Should do penance certainly.
He that worldly praise achieves,
Jesus Christ his Saviour grieves,
Who Himself, between two thieves,
On the Cross hung patiently.
He that seeks for shame and pain,
Shall his heart's desire attain:
All Bologna's lore were vain,
To increase his mastery.
