2 And wilt thou leave me thus 3 And wilt thou leave me thus Neither for pain nor smart? 4 And wilt thou leave me thus, Of him that loveth thee? And wilt thou leave me thus? HE REMEMBERETH THE PROMISE HIS LADY ONCE GAVE HIM OF AFFECTION, AND 1 THAT time that mirth did steer my ship, 2 But she herself which then wrote that Is now mine extreme enemy; Above all men she doth me hate, But though that for her sake I die, 3 It is not time that can wear out With me, that once is firmly set; While Nature keeps her course about My love from her no man can let.' Though never so sore they me threat, Yet I am hers, she may be sure; And shall be while that life doth dure. 4 And once I trust to see that day, Renewer of my joy and wealth, That she to me these words shall say; In faith! welcome to me myself! Welcome my joy! welcome my health, For I am thine, thou mayst be sure, And shall be while that life doth dure.' 5 Aye me! alas! what words were these! Incontinent 2 I might find them so! I reck not what smart or disease I suffer'd, so that I might know [After my passèd pain and woe] That she were mine; and might be sure She should [be] while that life doth dure. 1'Let:' hinder.-2 Incontinent:' soon, immediately. THAT ALL HIS JOY DEPENDETH ON HIS LADY'S FAVOUR. 1 As power and wit will me assist, So 2 To feign, or fable is not my mind, 3 When all the flock is come and gone To be my joy, or else my moan, Even as ye list. 4 Joy, if pity appear in place; Moan, if disdain do show his face; 5 Some in words much love can feign; And some for words give words again : Even as ye list. 6 To crave in words I will eschew, It is my mind both whole and true, 7 Dear heart! I bid your heart farewell, Even as ye list. HE PROMISETH TO REMAIN FAITHFUL 1 SOMETIME I sigh, sometime I sing; 2 Alack! what aileth you to be griev'd? 3 When ye be merry then am I glad; 4 When ye be merry why should I care? 5 All my poor heart, and my love true, And you to serve with service due, And never to change you for no new. THE FAITHFUL LOVER WISHETH ALL EVIL MAY BEFALL HIM IF HE FORSAKE HIS LADY. 1 THE knot which first my heart did strain, 2 If other thought in me do grow But still to love you steadfastly; 3 If other love, or new request, Do seize my heart, but only this; Or if within my wearied breast Be hid one thought that means amiss, May still increase, and I to miss That I love best. 4 If in my love there be one spot Of false deceit or doubleness; |