The Monk of Montaldon's Vision of Heaven

Whilom I did Heaven see,
Whence I'm glad and free of care;
Loving greeting gave me there
God, who rules all things that be.
Earth and ocean, mountain, valley:
"Monk, why cam'st thou here?" spake he,
"How does my Montaldon fare,
Where thy friends around thee rally?"

"Lord, for well-nigh two years' space
'Neath the cloisters' yoke I've lain.
Whence the barons me disdain,
And will turn from me their face.
E'en that here I sing thy praises;
Randon, who was never base,
Who o'er Paris has his reign
Lamentation for me raises."

"Monk, 'tis evil in my sight,
That 'twixt convent walls thou art,
And on strife dost set thy heart,
Eager for dispute and fight,
For thy rule 'gainst neighbours striving;
Songs I love and laughter bright,
These great worth to life impart,
Montaldon through them is thriving.

"Lord, I feared to go astray
If to singing I inclined:
Who delight in lies does find.
In thy favour cannot stay,
Singing then I have forsaken.
From the world have turned away,
On the lessons set my mind,
Nor the path to Spain have taken."