Page:The Book of the Duke of True Lovers - 1908.djvu/102



Seest thou not how I shed full many a tear:

And if thy help for longer shall delay

I am but shent, what need to speak more clear?

Ah, love me, Love so holds me in his sway!

Then hither hie,

Be merciful, for near to death I lie:

'Tis truth, thou knowest, I have no hope to mend,

And so consent to take me for thy friend.

Lady, I thank thee, and all my duty send,

And so consent to take me for thy friend.

ANOTHER BALLAD

In this sad world have pity, my lady dear,

Dear to me more than any other there:

Their pride you know not; let not gracious cheer

Cheer me at so great cost, oh white and fair!

Fare I thus ill, yet canst thou bid me see

Seasons of solace that may comfort me.

If for unfitness I be slighted here,

Here am I dead, and arrows of despair

Spare not to pierce my heart, and life grows drear,

Drear as my brooding on the doom I bear.

Bear witness, Love withholds in obduracy

Seasons of solace that might comfort me.

O loveliest one and sweetest, without peer,

Peerless in honour, of all bounties heir,

Ere I thy servant pine in sorry fear

Fear not a kind and gentle guise to wear.