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So long as I might rest anear

The rose, o’erpast was all my fear.

Healed were my wounds, what more could I

Desire, than thus to live and die?

Some while remained I resting there,

When came the God of Love, (whose care

Alonely seemed my heart to rack)

As though his mind was to attack

Me once again. With fell intent,

His bright and beauteous bow he bent,

Driving an arrow ’neath my breast,

Which found my heart—its destined quest.

This arrow’s name was Company,

The which is known ’fore all to be

Potent in curing maid or dame

Of foolish coyness, pride, or shame.

It suddenly within me wrought

Renewed distress, and o’er me brought

Three swoons, and when from them I woke,

More barely my forlornness broke

Upon me, and all hope had fled

Of cure or bettering. Then I said:

More welcome death were, than to lead

A life so vile, where troubles breed

New troubles still, for Cupid now

Hath will to make of me, I trow,

A martyr; fain were I to flit

Me hence; but how to compass it?

Meanwhile the God against me aimed

Another arrow, which was named

Fair-Seeming. Dangerous it is.

Yet he who feels its force, ywis,