Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/77

 ANONYMOUS

She. O Lord, what is this worldis bliss,

That changeth as the moon! My summer's day in lusty May

Is darked before the noon. I hear you say, farewell: Nay, nay,

We depart not so soon. Why say ye so? whither will ye go?

Alas! what have ye done? All my welfare to sorrow and care

Should change, if ye were gone: For, in my mind, of all mankind

I love but you alone.

He. I can believe it shall you grieve,

And somewhat you distrain ; But afterward, your paines hard

Within a day or twain Shall soon aslake; and ye shall take

Comfort to you again. Why should ye nought ? for, to take thought,

Your labour were in vain. And thus I do; and pray you to,

As hartely as I can: For I must to the green-wood go,

Alone, a banished man.

Now, sith that ye have showed to me

The secret of your mind, I shall be plain to you again,

Like as ye shall me find. Sith it is so that ye will go,

I will not leve behind.

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