XLIV
Herein the Lover tells how he
Misdoubts his triple enemy,
But hopeth still beneath the brand
To bring them of stern Justice’ hand.
The Lover’s Indignation
Deem you, fair friend, I’ve changed my wit?
No man, save some base hypocrite,8190
Would do such loathsome work; shall I
Put hand to such-like devilry?
Think you I’d strain and bend each nerve
These villain folk to please and serve?
Except Fair-Welcome, slaves forsooth
Are they, to honour lost and truth.
Do you this fatal counsel give,
Which following, I should basely live
A scoundrel? Whensoe’er across
Such folk I come I boldly toss8200
My gauntlet at them.
Suffer first
That I this Evil-Tongue accurst
Defy, ere cozenage or deceit
I use, his schemes to overwit,
Demanding boldly he abate
The storm that he hath raised of hate
And slander, or by heaven shall he
Suffer assault and battery.
Or if he love not that I take
Vengeance, he then amends must make;8210
Or lastly, if he will, a judge
Shall hear my plaint, and salve my grudge.
