Civil War

My heart and body would fain part company,
Who have fared together for a long time past
My body would fight the Paynim oversea,
But my heart on a lady hath fixed fast
Its choice, and now in trouble I am cast.
Sore grieving that those twain asunder flee.
Mine eyes have wrought much mischief unto me.
Now may God end this struggle at the last!

I looked to be released from all my woe,
When once I took the Cross in Heaven's name.
And well might it have happened even so,
Were not my constancy itself to blame.
I should be whole and sound, quit of this shame,
Would but my heart its fond desire forego;
But little recks it how, too well I know,
What fortune may befall me in the game.

Since o'er thee, heart of mine, I have no might,
But thou wilt surely go and let me grieve,
I pray to God that He direct thy flight
Where thou a gracious welcome shalt receive.
Alas, what will betide thee? Darest thou leave,
Against such troubles all alone to fight?
For who like me will help thee 'scape despite,
Who cleave to thee as I was wont to cleave?