The careful Lover complaineth, and the happy Lover counselleth

AH! Robin!

Joly Robin!

Tell me how thy Leman doth?

And thou shalt know of mine.

‘My Lady is unkind, perdie!’

Alack, why is she so!

‘She loveth an other better than me,

And yet she will say, no.’

RESPONSE.

I find no such doubleness;

I find women true.

My lady loveth me doubtless,

And will change for no new.

LE PLAINTIF.

Thou art happy while that doth last,

But I say as I find;

That woman’s love is but a blast,

And turneth like the wind.

RESPONSE.

But if thou wilt avoid thy harm,

Learn this lesson of me;

At others fires thyself to warm,

And let them warm with thee.

LE PLAINTIF.

Such folks shall take no harm by love,

That can abide their turn;

But I, alas, can no way prove

In love, but lack, and mourn.