5 It was not long ere I by proof had found
That feeble building is on feeble ground,
For in her heart this word did never sound
In æternum.

6 In æternum then from my heart I cest1
That, I had first determin d for the best,
Now in the place another thought 2 doth rest.
In æternum.

THE ABUSED LOVER ADMONISHES THE UNWARY TO BEWARE OF LOVE.

1 Cest:' forkest,' or cast.-2 Another thought:' another fancy or love. At me:' of me.

1 LEAVE thus to slander love!

Though evil with such it prove,

Which often use

Love to misuse,

1'An:' on.

And loving to reprove;
Such cannot choose
For their refuse 1

But thus to slander love.

2 Flee not so much the snare! Love seldom causeth care. But by deserts

And crafty parts

Some lese their own welfare.

Be true of heart;

And for no smart,

Flee not so much the snare.

3 To love, and not to be wise,
Is but a mad device;
Such love doth last
As sure and fast,
As chance on the dice,
A bitter taste
Comes at the last,

To love, and not to be wise.

4 Such be the pleasant days,

Such be the honest ways,
There is no man

That fully can

Know it, but he that says
Loving to ban

Were folly then;
Such be the pleasant days.

5 Love is a pleasant fire Kindled by true desire;

1'Refuse:' refusal.

8 To love, and to be wise,
It were a strange device:
But from that taste
Ye vow the fast,

On cinques though run your dice,

Ambsace1 may haste

Your pain to waste.

To love, and to be wise.

1 'Ambsace:' the two aces, the lowest throw of the dice; bad luck.

9 Of all such pleasant days,
Of all such pleasant plays,
Without desart,

You have your part,

And all the world so says;

Save that poor heart

That for more smart,

Feeleth not such pleasant days.

LOVER TO END HIS WOES BY DEATH, BUT

REASON BRINGETH COMFORT.

1 MOST wretched heart! most miserable, Since thy comfort is from thee fled; Since all thy truth is turn'd to fable

Most wretched heart! why art thou not dead?

2 No! no! I live, and must do still;

Whereof I thank God, and no mo;

For I myself have at my will,

And he is wretched that weens him so.'