The Lover prayeth that his long Sufferings may at length find Recompense

YE know my heart, my Lady dear!

That since the time I was your thrall

I have been yours both whole and clear,

Though my reward hath been but small;

So am I yet, and more than all.

And ye know well how I have serv’d,

As if ye prove it shall appear,

How well, how long,

How faithfully!

And suffered wrong,

How patiently!

Then since that I have never swerv’d,

Let not my pains be undeserv’d.

Ye know also, though ye say nay,

That you alone are my desire;

And you alone it is that may

Assuage my fervent flaming fire.

Succour me then I you require!

Ye know it were a just request,

Since ye do cause my heat, I say,

If that I burn,

It will ye warm,

And not to turn,

All to my harm,

Lending such flame from frozen breast

Against nature for my unrest.

And I know well how scornfully

Ye have mista’en my true intent;

And hitherto how wrongfully,

I have found cause for to repent.

But if your heart doth not relent,

Since I do know that this ye know,

Ye shall slay me all wilfully.

For me, and mine,

And all I have,

Ye may assign,

To spill or save.

Why are ye then so cruel foe

Unto your own, that loves you so?