Page:The Book of the Duke of True Lovers - 1908.djvu/41

 fearful lest perchance she for whom I felt such sweet, joyous longing, might not look upon this as I desired, for, as it seemed to me, nowhere could I obtain solace which could give me so much pleasure, and from the which my heart could derive such happiness, and, in this mood, I pondered, and said:—

BALLAD

Verily, Love, I have no language, none

Of thanksgiving sufficient for thy grace

That moved me unto love, and such an one

Gave me for mistress as doth all abase

Beside her, queen of beauty and of grace

And precious worth; O, when on her I muse,

Truly my speech with my thought keeps no pace.

Thanks be to thee, who mad'st me her to choose.

Now all that I desired so dear is won,

Having a lady to serve all my days,

Who holds my heart in joy to think upon

Her beauty, and in every hour and place

Makes my heart high and glad, so to embrace

Her soul with mine, joy that I may not lose.

Mine was the choice, but thine shall be the praise.

Thanks be to thee who mad'st me her to choose.

O now, Love, into whose dominion

I yield my heart, vouchsafe my service space

That to my lady I suffice alone,

Being all hers, and that her beauteous face