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Of those my four most precious gifts,

The use whereof the heart uplifts

To peace and happiness. Sweet-Speech,

Soft-Looks, Sweet-Thought, and Hope shall teach

Thy heart content, and they again

Will further blessings bring to fain

And cheer thy heart; meanwhile the four

I’ve given to thee, be thankful for.”

O sooner was his counsel sped,

Than suddenly, quick vanished

The Lord of Love, and all amazed

I stood, as one aghast and dazed.

Once more I felt misease to prick

My soul with anguish to the quick,

And straightway felt that I must gain

The rosebud, would I cure the pain

That racked my wounded heart. To none

I looked for help except alone

The God of Love. Full well I knew

That vain and foolish ’twere to sue

For others’ aid: no power but his

Could save me in this pass ywis.

A hedge thick-grown with thorns stood round

The rose-tree, but at one short bound

Had I o’erpassed its height, and bent

My hand to pluck the bud, whose scent