Page:The Book of the Duke of True Lovers - 1908.djvu/150

118 the which I enclose herewith. Very honoured Princess, and my dear Lady, I pray God to give you a happy and long life, and paradise.—Written at La Tour, this 18th day of January

Most noble ladies, cherish your fair fame,

And for God's love the contrary eschew

Of good report, lest thus you come to blame:

Nor make your choice of all acquaintance new.

For some might tell (such evil tongues have they),

How wanton manners in your life they see,

Though never yet in any fault you lay:

And from such faithless rascals keep you free.

For little would it serve to bear the name

Of one whom many love, yet find for due

Nought but dishonour that from slanderers came

Telling abroad how in your works they knew

Your wantonness: so well it is alway

To hold aloof, ere any trial be,

From ill that follows after foolish play,

And from such faithless rascals keep you free.

Nay, be ye rather armed against the same

With perfect wit, so tirelessly they sue

To stain your honour, whence full often shame

Comes without cause, yet they to pleasure you