And joys of love may learn, and grow
The deep significance to know
The tale containeth. Now is hid
The truth, which all uncoverèd
Shall be when you have read throughout
The story—clear of lies or doubt.
XVII
Herein the God of Love doth teach
The Lover, and against the breach2160
Of laws contained in this Romance
He warns him, lest he err perchance.
Love’s Precepts
“’Fore all beware of Villainy,”
Quoth Love, “and utterly deny
All knowledge of her, under pain
That all thy vows I count but vain.
Those who love Villainy I hate,
And count them excommunicate.
’Tis Villainy doth villains breed,
I hate her every thought and deed,2170
For fell is Villainy, and none
From her hath love or pity won.
Keep guard upon thy mouth lest leak
Therefrom such things as none should speak,
But labour to forget. Both base
And mean are slanderous tongues. The case
Of Arthur’s seneschal, Sir Kay,
Remember; loved he to missay,
Fulfilled of hatred, spite and spleen.
Right well was Gawain loved, I ween.2180
