The faithful Lover wisheth all Evil may befall him if he forsake his Lady

THE KNOT which first my heart did strain,

When that your servant I became,

Doth bind me still for to remain,

Always your own as now I am;

And if you find that I do feign,

With just judgment myself I damn,

To have disdain.

If other thought in me do grow

But still to love you steadfastly;

If that the proof do not well shew

That I am yours assuredly;

Let ev’ry wealth turn me to woe,

And you to be continually

My chiefest foe.

If other love, or new request,

Do seize my heart, but only this;

Or if within my wearied breast

Be hid one thought that means amiss,

I do desire that mine unrest

May still increase, and I to miss

That I love best.

If in my love there be one spot

Of false deceit or doubleness;

Or if I mind to slip this knot

By want of faith or steadfastness;

Let all my service be forgot,

And when I would have chief redress,

Esteem me not.

But if that I consume in pain

Of burning sighs and fervent love;

And daily seek none other gain,

But with my deed these words to prove;

Me think of right I should obtain

That ye would mind for to remove

Your great disdain.

And for the end of this my song,

Unto your hands I do submit

My deadly grief, and pains so strong

Which in my heart be firmly shut,

And when ye list, redress my wrong:

Since well ye know this painful fit

Hath last too long.