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To risk dear life, and willingly
Would die the death if only she2310
Would give him one sweet smile, should ne’er,
That gained, desire his purse to spare.

Be gracious and merry withal Now hearken, while I strive to bring
Shortly before thee everything
Thou erst hast heard; things briefest said
Are oft-times best rememberèd.
Whoso desireth Love to take
For lord and master, must forsake
Pride, and be wed to Courtesy.
Gracious and merry must he be,2320
Well known and loved for open hand.
Next, for a penance dost thou stand
Commanded that by night and day
Thy soul be given to love alway,
And ever let thy memory cling
About the source of love’s sweet spring.
Desiring thou mayst perfect be
In loving, I ordain to thee,
Without appeal, that in one spot
Thy very heart is centred, not2330
Lukewarmly, but all doubt aside,
Void of deceit thou dost abide;
Half-hearted service count I nought,
And he who foolishly hath sought,
With heart divided, grace to gain,
Shall find his labour lost and vain:
He only hath my sovereign grace,
Whose heart is fixed in one sure place.
Moreover say I, let thy heart,
Its home once fixed, ne’er more depart2340