Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/628



LAMILIA'S song.

[Groatsworth of Wit].

Fie! fie on blind fancy! It hinders youth's joy. Fair virgins learn by me, To count love a toy.

When love learned first the A.B.C. of delight, And knew no figures nor conceited phrase; He simply gave to due desert her right: He led not lovers in dark winding ways. He plainly willed to love, or flatly answered "No!" But now who lists to prove, shall find it nothing so.

Fie! fie then on fancy! It hinders youth's joy. Fair virgins learn by me, To count love a toy.

For since he learned to use the poet's pen, He learned likewise with smoothing words to feign: Witching chaste ears with trothless tongues of men; And wronged faith with falsehood and disdain. He gives a promise now, anon he sweareth "No!" Who listeth for to prove, shall find his changing so.

Fie! fie then on fancy! It hinders youth's joy. Fair virgins learn by me, To count love a toy.