Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/89

 Can ye say nay But that you said That I alway Should be obeyed? And—thus betrayed Or that I wist! Farewell, unkist!

37. Vixi Puellis Nuper Idoneus

They flee from me that sometime did me seek, With naked foot stalking within my chamber: Once have I seen them gentle, tame, and meek, That now are wild, and do not once remember That sometime they have put themselves in danger To take bread at my hand; and now they range, Busily seeking in continual change.

Thanked be fortune, it hath been otherwise Twenty times better; but once especial— In thin array: after a pleasant guise, When her loose gown did from her shoulders fall, And she me caught in her arms long and small, And therewithal so sweetly did me kiss, And softly said, Dear heart, how like you this?

It was no dream; for I lay broad awaking: But all is turn'd now, through my gentleness, Into a bitter fashion of forsaking; And I have leave to go of her goodness; And she also to use new-fangleness. But since that I unkindly so am servèd, How like you this?—what hath she now deservèd?