Marguerite Porete (13th century – 1 June 1310), also known as Marguerite of Hainault, was a mystic and author of The Mirror of Simple Souls. Nothing is known of her life save the little that was recorded at her trial for heresy in Paris, where she was condemned to be burnt at the stake. It is said that the crowd that came to her execution was moved to tears by the calm way in which she faced her end. In spite of her persecution by the authorities, her book of illuminated writing has survived.

Beloved, what do you want of me?
I contain all that was, and that is, and shall be,
I am filled with the all.
Take of me all you please —
if you want all of myself, I’ll not say no.
Tell me, beloved, what you want of me —
I am Love, who am filled with the all:
what you want,
we want, beloved —
tell us your desire nakedly.

Translation Peter Drunke