Peirol's Tenzon with Love

When from weary sorrow free
Love did once my heart discern,
He to tenzon challenged me,
Even as ye now shall learn.
"Peirol, ill it is to turn
Thus thy face from me so long.
Prithee, tell me, since from Song
And from me thou dost refrain,
How dost Honour hope to gain? "

"Love, that I have long obeyed,
Thou dost little heed my woe.
And full long hast thou delayed,
Promised pleasure to bestow;
See, no wrath thereat I show,
Only this I ask of thee,
Unmolested let me be;
Henceforth nothing else I crave,
Better gift I might not have."

"Peirol, dost thou then forget
That fair lady, that erewhile
Thee with gracious welcome met?
I it was that bade her smile,
And by many a cunning wile
Thou did'st hide thy wayward mind,
So I held thee true and kind;
But thine am'rous songs and mien
Were but to deceive I ween."

"Love, when first she met my eyes,
I did love my lady well.
Loved e'er since — such sweet surprise,
Such sweet rapture o'er me fell;
Now I needs must break the spell,
And like me, howe'er they grieve.
Many knights their dames must leave.
These if Saladin were slain
Here in gladness would remain."

"Peirol, how so great the power
Wherewith 'gainst the Turks ye start,
They'll not give you David's tower.
Choose thou then the wiser part,
Sing and love with all thy heart.
Wilt thou go if kings delay?
See, they think but of the fray;
Do but mark the barons' strife,
'Tis on such they spend their life."

"Love, full long I've sin defied,
Now I must 'gainst sin contend —
May sweet Jesus be my guide,
And His peace amongst us send,
That the kings' fierce strife may end!
They their succour still withhold,
And the Marquis brave and bold,
Sore in need of help doth stand,
Close beset in Paynim's land."