Love's Spell

Many a man hath been bewitched by elfin eye;
By great love am I bewitched so,
By the sweetest lady lover e'er drew nigh.
Now, if she declare herself my foe,
And would work me woe
To satisfy her hate,
Let her grant my prayer! My bliss will be so great,
I shall die for pleasure's overflow!

Mistress to command within my heart she is,
Mightier far than I myself may be.
Ha! that I might have the power to bid her this—
That on bond of troth she stayed with me
Space of days full three,
Aye, and a night or two!
So I should not waste away as now I do.
But, alas, she holds herself too free!

As by fire dry tinder is enkindled soon,
I am kindled by her eyes' bright gaze;
And her absence makes my heart sink down anon,
Even as water doth with flames that blaze;
And her gracious ways,
Beauty and noble birth,
And the marvels all men tell me of her worth,—
'Twill prove the bane -or blessing—of my days!

When she turns her eyes on me, so bright and keen
That right through my heart they can espy,
If a man confuse me then and step between,
May his joys all perish utterly!
Fain would I draw nigh
To look on my delight,
Even as little birds do in the morning light.—
Shall I e'er be happy by and by?