THE ORLANDO FURIOSO.
CANTO XVI.
I.
Love’s penalties are manifold and dread:
Of which I have endured the greater part,
And, to my cost, in these so well am read,
That I can speak of them as ’twere my art.
Hence if I say, or if I ever said,
(Did speech or living page my thoughts impart)
‘One ill is grievous and another light,’
Yield me belief, and deem my judgment right.
II.
I say, I said, and, while I live, will say,
‘He, who is fettered by a worthy chain,
‘Though his desire his lady should gainsay,
‘And, every way averse, his suit disdain;
‘Though Love deprive him of all promised pay,
‘After long time and trouble spent in vain,
‘He, if his heart be placed well-worthily,
‘Needs not lament though he should waste and die.’
