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For you shall hear me, bit by bit,

Set forth the dream and gloss on it,

And lightly then may you explain

Love’s art to those who deem it vain.

Clear shall be made by that I write

E’en now, what I did erst indite,

And also that which followeth.

But ere I further spend my breath,

I fain would say one little word,

Lest evil tongues be ’gainst me stirred.

No purpose have I to abuse

Pure minds, but would my faith excuse.

GENTLE lovers, all and each,

By love’s sweet pleasures I beseech

Of you, that if herein ye see

Some words which smack of ribaldry,

Whereof foul slanderous tongues might make

Occasion ’gainst us to awake

Contempt for that we’ve said or writ,

Ye courteously naysay their wit;

And when you’ve given such folk the lie,

And treated them conformably,

If there shall fall within my task

Some things whereof I pardon ask,

Past doubt you will forgive me them,

And strive men’s censuring speech to stem,