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Suffer that I point out the way

And paths thereof, where many a day

I wandered ere my beauty went

And left me wearied, worn and spent.

Then ceased the dame and gave a sigh.

In case Fair-Welcome made reply.

But little rest of tongue she took,

Noting his fixed attentive look,

Prepared to listen and say nought;

And so within herself she thought:

A proverb ’tis; Who saith not nay,

May well be credited with yea;

Thus far he’s listened, and no doubt,

If I proceed, will hear me out.

Then once more did the crone begin

Her wearisome foul tale to spin,

Deeming that she by wordy trick

Might cozen me to try and lick

Honey from thorns, and hoping he

Might his mere friend consider me,

Without true love, but he amain

Told me the tale he heard again;

And had he ta’en her word for truth

I needs had been betrayed forsooth,

But whatsoe’er the hag might do

Or say, Fair-Welcome proved him true;

I had his solemn oath and word

And that my heart had reassured.