THAT THE PAIN HE ENDURED SHOULD NOT MAKE HIM CEASE FROM LOVING.

THE joy so short, alas! the pain so near,
The way so long, the departure so smart;
The first sight, alas! I bought too dear,
That so suddenly now from hence must part.
The body gone yet remain shall the heart
With her, the which for me salt tears doth rain;
And shall not change till that we meet again.

The time doth pass, yet shall not my love;
Though I be far, always my heart is near.
Though other change yet will not I remove;
Though other care not, yet love I will and fear;
Though other hate, yet will I love my dear;
Though other will of lightness say Adieu,'
Yet will I be found steadfast and true.

When other laugh, alas! then do I weep; When other sing, then do I wail and cry ; When other run, perforced I am to creep; When other dance, in sorrow I do lie; When other joy, for pain well near I die; Thus brought from wealth, alas! to endless pain, That undeserved, causeless to remain.

My mirth and health,

Are driven to great decay.

'Fortune did smile

A right short while,
And never said me nay;
With pleasant plays,
And joyful days,

My time to pass away.
'Alas! alas!

The time so was,

So never shall it be,
Since she is gone,

And I alone

THAT FAITH IS DEAD, AND TRUE LOVE

DISREGARDED.

WHAT should I say!

Since Faith is dead,

And Truth away

From you is fled?

Should I be led

With doubleness?

Nay! nay! Mistress.
I promis'd you,

And you promis'd me,

To be as true,

As I would be.

But since I see
Your double heart,

Farewell my part!
Thought for to take,
It is not my mind;
But to forsake

[One so unkind;]
And as I find,
So will I trust;
Farewell, unjust!

Can ye say nay,
But that you said

That I alway

Should be obey'd?
And thus betray'd,
Or that I wist!
Farewell, unkist !

THE LOVER COMPLAINETH THAT HIS

FAITHFUL HEART AND TRUE MEANING HAD NEVER MET

WITH JUST REWARD.

GIVE place! all ye that doth rejoice,
And love's pangs hath clean forgot.
Let them draw near and hear my voice
Whom Love doth force in pains to fret;
For all of plaint my song is set,

Which long hath served and nought can get.
A faithful heart so truly meant,
Rewarded is full slenderly;
A steadfast faith with good intent
Is recompensed craftily;

Such hap doth hap unhappily
To them that mean but honestly.
With humble suit I have essayed
To turn her cruel hearted mind;
But for reward I am delayed,
And to my wealth her ears be blind.
Lo! thus by chance I am assign'd

With steadfast love to serve the unkind.