That Hope unsatisfied is to the Lover’s Heart as a prolonged Death

I ABIDE, and abide; and better abide,

After the old proverb the happy day.

And ever my Lady to me doth say,

‘Let me alone, and I will provide.’

I abide, and abide, and tarry the tide,

And with abiding speed well ye may.

Thus do I abide I wot alway,

N’ other obtaining, nor yet denied.

Aye me! this long abiding

Seemeth to me, as who sayeth

A prolonging of a dying death,

Or a refusing of a desired thing.

Much were it better for to be plain,

Than to say, ‘Abide,’ and yet not obtain.