When it is given or lent,
Methinks it were well spent.

9 If this be under mist,
And not well plainly wist,
Understand me who list,
For I reck not a bean;

I wot what I do mean.

THAT THE PAIN HE ENDURED SHOULD NOT MAKE HIM CEASE FROM LOVING. 1 THE joy so short, alas! the pain so near, The way so long, the departure so smart; The first sight, alas! I bought too dear,

That so suddenly now from hence must part. The body gone, yet remain shall the heart With her, the which for me salt tears doth rain; And shall not change till that we meet again.

2 The time doth pass, yet shall not my love;

Though I be far, always my heart is near. Though other change, yet will not I remove;

Though other care not, yet love I will and fear; Though other hate, yet will I love my dear; Though other will of lightness say 'Adieu,' Yet will I be found steadfast and true.

3 When other laugh, alas! then do I weep:
When other sing, then do I wail and cry;
When other run, perforc'd I am to creep;
When other dance, in sorrow I do lie;
When other joy, for pain well near I die;
Thus brought from wealth, alas! to endless pain,
That undeserved, causeless to remain.

THE COMPLAINT OF A DESERTED LOVER.

1 'How should I

Be so pleasant,

In my semblant,'
As my fellows be?'

2 Not long ago,

It chanced so,

As I did walk alone;

I heard a man,

That now and than

Himself did thus bemoan:

3 Alas!' he said,

'I am betray'd,

And utterly undone;

Whom I did trust,

And think so just,

Another man hath won.

4 My service due,

And heart so true,

On her I did bestow;

I never meant

For to repent,

In wealth, nor yet in woe.

5 Each western wind

Hath turned her mind,

And blown it clean away;

Thereby my wealth,
My mirth and health

Are driven to great decay.

1 'Semblant:' appearance.

THE LOVER COMPLAINETH

THAT HIS FAITHFUL HEART AND TRUE MEANING HAD
NEVER MET WITH JUST REWARD.

1 GIVE place! all ye that doth rejoice,
And love's pangs hath clean forgot.
Let them draw near and hear my voice
Whom love doth force in pains to fret;
For all of plaint my song is set,

Which long hath serv'd and nought can get.

2 A faithful heart so truly meant,
Rewarded is full slenderly;

A steadfast faith with good intent
Is recompensed craftily;

Such hap doth hap unhappily
To them that mean but honestly.

3 With humble suit I have essayed
To turn her cruel hearted mind;
But for reward I am delayed,

And to my wealth her eyes be blind.
Lo! thus by chance I am assign'd
With steadfast love to serve the unkind.

4 What 'vaileth truth, or steadfastness,
Or still to serve without repreef!
What 'vaileth faith or gentleness,
Where cruelty doth reign as chief!
Alas! there is no greater grief
Than for to love, and lack relief.

5 Care doth constrain me to complain Of love, and her uncertainty,