Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/522

510
 * Listen, listen to my lay!'
 * Thus the merry notes did chime,
 * All who mighty love obey,
 * Sadly wasting in your prime,
 * Clerk and laick, grave and gay!
 * Yet do ye, before the rest,
 * Gentle maidens, mark me tell
 * Store my lesson in your breast,
 * Trust me it shall profit well:
 * Hear, and heed me, and be bless'd!'

So sang the bird of old: but when he spied The carle draw near, with alter'd tone he cried— 'Back, river, to thy source; and thee, tall tower, Thee, castle strong, may gaping earth devour! Bend down your heads, ye gaudy flowers, and fade! And wither'd be each fruit-tree's mantling shade! Beneath these beauteous branches once were seen Brave gentle knights disporting on the green, And lovely dames; and oft these flowers among, Stay'd the blithe bands, and joy'd to hear my song; Nor would they hence retire, nor quit the grove, Till many a vow were past of mutual love; These more would cherish, those would more deserve; Cost, courtesy, and arms, and nothing swerve.