Love's Tyranny

Alas, why do I follow hope so vain,
Whereby in trouble I am often led?
I parted from her, filled with bitter pain,
That still she left me all uncomforted.
Yet was her face like lilies white and roses red,
And there she sat before me fair and fain:
Like the full moon she showed her beauty plain.
Whereat mine eyes were glad, my heart struck dead!

My constant heart resembles not the wind.
Nor, since she left me, have I changed my will.
From childhood I have kept a steadfast mind,
Tho' oft and often she hath used me ill.
And hidden hope all silently I cherish still:
My folly in her presence I would bind
And store of pretty speeches fain would find;
Yet then to speak one word is past my skill.

So often have I said and sung my thought,
I am hoarse and weary with my long lament
My labour goes for nought and less than nought,
Since she will not believe my words' intent,
How that toward her my heart in homage true is bent
Forsooth, I have not prospered as I ought
Had I to God half such hard service brought,
He would take me to Him ere my days be spent!