Page:The Book of the Duke of True Lovers - 1908.djvu/86

54 seen her, though unknown to others, for I disguised me so that I might not be recognised, and, from a distance, I have seen her pass by. Thus you can understand that I have since lived in such grief that a speedy death has been my only desire. But I see not how either you or any other can succour me, for it is not possible that this jealous one, with his spies, would not discover it, and be assured that I must either endure this or die, but if that you will give heed for a while, you will understand wherefore it behoves me to rejoice over this grievous experience of love, and how I maintain this in my song.

BALLAD

Thou, O Love, the traitor art!

Tender once as any may,

Then the wielder of the dart

That is pointed but to slay.

Thee with reason, by my fay,

Double-visaged we decloare:

One is as the ashes grey,

But one is as an angel fair.

Loth am I to find my part

In the night without a ray,

Yet desire hat stung my heart

And I sigh in sorrow's sway.