Five Words

Let him who is in merry mood
Look now upon the green, green wood,
And let his heart be gladdened
To see May's meinie dressed aright
In colours brave and raiment bright.
No more the birds are saddened;
Their hearts are high, and o'er and o'er
We hear their sweet notes ringing
Loud and strong, right musical;
The nightingale above them all
On the green bough is singing.

But sore I grieve, as well I may;
A tax of all my mirth I pay,
While still so cold I find her
Who holds my heart through good and ill.
Ah, that she lets me sorrow still!
So fairly God designed her
That 'tis past my wit to think,
And past my heart's conceiving,
How yet fairer she might be,
That lovesome lady, served by me,
Who turns my mirth to grieving.

O Love, sweet Counsellor that thou art,
All bliss be thine, Queen of my heart,
So thou wilt now befriend me!
Give counsel, O most lovesome Love,
That my distress she may remove
And aid at last may lend me!
Since thou dost hold in bondage fast
My thoughts, my heart's desire,
Come, counsel me betimes, for thou
Art all my hope and comfort now.
I burn in thine own fire.

Now if I needs must leave her so,
And her fair favour quite forego,
I'll journey, sad and mournful,
Unto Apulia, woe is me!
Sweet lady, grace! and do not be
Towards me so harsh and scornful!
A little milder prove at last
And let thy red lips clearly
Speak to me five words, no more,
Which will enrich my pleasure's store:
"Good fortune speed thee fairly!"

"Good fortune now thy journey speed!
God guard thy life and soul at need!
Honour and fame attend thee!
Heaven knows, I would beseech thee yet
To stay, if prayer, command, or threat
Of mine had power to bend thee.
But since thy journey nought may stop,
Two woeful hearts thou bearest
With thee thither, mine and thine!
Wherefore I ever grieve and pine.
Christ guide thee where thou farest!"