Spring Pastime

Oh, the pleasant tidings
I have come to hear!
Winter with his chidings
To an end draws near.
I can scarce await the day;
Never once have I been gay,
Since on earth the cold frost lay.

Now tho' mirth elate me,
None need be my foe.
God knows, if men hate me,
Evil hearts they show!
I can do them naught amiss:
If my lady grant me bliss,
Why should any grudge me this?

If my joy and pleasure •
I must needs conceal,
Like a thief my treasure
I should have to steal.
In my prudence I forbear:
My concerns are otherwhere,
Tho' I wander here or there.

When she would disport her,
Maidlike, with the ball,
May God's grace support her
Lest she trip and fall!
Maidens, let your hustling be!
If you push my love, you see,
Half the harm is done to me!