Be it right or wrong,these men among On women do complain;
Affirming this,how that it is A labour spent in vain To love them wele;for never a dele They love a man again:
For let a man do what he can,Their favour to attain,Yet,if a new to them pursue,Their first true lover than Laboureth for naught;and from her thought He is a banished man.
I say not nay,but that all day It is both writ and said That woman's faith is,as who saith,All utterly decayed;
But nevertheless,right good witn-ess In this case might be laid.
That they love true,and contin-ue,Record the Nut-brown Maid:
Which from her love,when her to prove He came to make his moan,Would not depart;for in her heart She loved but him alone.
Then between us let us discuss What was all the manere Between them two:we will also Tell all the pain in fere That she was in.Now I begin,So that ye me answere:
Wher-efore,ye,that present be I pray you give an ear.
I am the knight.I come by night,As secret as I can;
Saying,"Alas!thus standeth the case,I am a banished man."
And I your will for to fulfil In this will not refuse;
Trusting to shew,in word-es few,That men have an ill use (To their own shame)women to blame,And causeless them accuse:
Therefore to you I answer now,All women to excuse,--
"Mine own heart dear,with you what cheer?
I pray you,tell anone:
For,in my mind,of all mankind I love but you alone."
HE.
"It standeth so:a deed is do Whereof much harm shall grow;
My destiny is for to die A shameful death,I trow;
Or else to flee.The one must be.
None other way I know,But to withdraw as an out-law,And take me to my bow.
Wherefore,adieu,my own heart true!
None other rede I can:
For I must to the green wood go,Alone,a banished man."
SHE.
"O Lord,what is this world-es bliss,That changeth as the moon!