The accused declare that in thought, word and deed,

Innocent were they both from first to last

As male-babe haply laid by female-babe

At church on edge of the baptismal font

Together for a minute, perfect-pure.

Difficult to believe, yet possible,

As witness Joseph, the friend's patron-saint.

The night at the inn—there charity nigh chokes

Ere swallow what they both asseverate;

Though down the gullet faith may feel it go,