The joyance of Youth
But gladness, joy, and gleesome play,
And only mirth and laughter sought,
Without one care or afterthought.
A lover had she, like in age
To her sweet self, and no more sage1320
Than she. The simple pair would kiss
From time to time, and nought amiss
They deemed it all the dance should see
When they embraced as lovingly
As cooing turtle-doves. The boy,
E’en as the girl, was nowise coy,
But was in artlessness for her
A fitting mate I dare aver.
Thus merrily this jovial throng
Disported them with dance and song,1330
And many another knight and dame,
Of gracious mien and goodly fame,
Soon joined them to the light-heart crew,
While through the air gay laughter flew.
X
The God of Love with care doth watch
The Lover’s steps, in hope to catch
Him unawares, and so the five
Bright arrows through his heart to drive.
When dance and dancers I had seen
To heart’s content, across the green1340
I turned to wander at mine ease
Beneath the burgeoning mulberry trees.
