The Lover for shamefastness hideth his Desire within his faithful Heart

THE LONG love that in my thought I harbour,

And in my heart doth keep his residence,

Into my face presseth with bold pretence,

And there campeth displaying his banner.

She that me learns to love and to suffer,

And wills that my trust, and lust’s negligence

Be reined by reason, shame, and reverence,

With his hardiness takes displeasure.

Wherewith love to the heart’s forest he fleeth,

Leaving his enterprise with pain and cry,

And there him hideth, and not appeareth.

What may I do, when my master feareth,

But in the field with him to live and die?

For good is the life, ending faithfully.