Love’s suffering past all measure is,
Its joyance but shortlived, ywis.
Alas! how slender is the chance
To win love’s joy—which won, like glance
Of lightning faileth. Oft men spend
Their lifedays to attain some end
Which proves mere dust. Alas! but vain
My counsel is, if thou the rein
To Cupid giv’st of thy desires,
And he thy fickle heart inspires3190
To clasp his knees. Young spirits drift
To folly lightly, but to lift
Them thence find arduous task. Aside
I prithee cast fond love, though pride
Thou tak’st therein, for dire disgrace
’Twill bring on thee. If thou thy face
Set not against this madness, ’twill
O’erpower thee lastly. Wouldst thou still
Master thy folly, seize the bit
Betwixt thy teeth, and holding it3200
Firmly, therewith refrain thy heart
Ere diest thou ’neath Love’s cruel smart[errata 1]
.
Who follows where his heart doth lead
Full many a day hath evil speed.”
XXIII
Herein the Lover makes reply
To Reason, who would Love decry.
No safety but in flight
When Reason ceased her preachment, I
Made answer somewhat wrathfully:
“Madam, I beg that you refrain
Your mouth from chiding words amain.3210
