ANONYMOUS
She. O Lord, what is this worldis bliss,
That changeth as the moon! My summer's day in lusty May
Is darked before the noon. I hear you say, farewell: Nay, nay,
We depart not so soon. Why say ye so? whither will ye go?
Alas! what have ye done? All my welfare to sorrow and care
Should change, if ye were gone: For, in my mind, of all mankind
I love but you alone.
He. I can believe it shall you grieve,
And somewhat you distrain ; But afterward, your paines hard
Within a day or twain Shall soon aslake; and ye shall take
Comfort to you again. Why should ye nought ? for, to take thought,
Your labour were in vain. And thus I do; and pray you to,
As hartely as I can: For I must to the green-wood go,
Alone, a banished man.
Now, sith that ye have showed to me
The secret of your mind, I shall be plain to you again,
Like as ye shall me find. Sith it is so that ye will go,
I will not leve behind.
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