The Culture of the Middle Ages 435 poetry; and the rewards a man gained from this were the excellence or worth that he felt within himself, and far more important, as a rule the repute or credit with others that all were passionately bent upon winning. Fair to me is April, bearing 177. A trou- Winds that o'er me softly blow, sonrB Nightingales their music airing Arnault do While the stars serenely glow; Marueih.) All the birds as they have power, While the dews of morning wait, Sing of joy in sky or bower, Each consorting with his mate. And as all the world is wearing New delight while new leaves grow, 'Twould be vain to try forswearing Love which makes my joys o'erflow ; Both by habit and by dower Gladness is my rightful state, And when clouds no longer lower Quick my heart throws off its weight. Helen were not worth comparing, Gardens no such beauty show ; Teeth of pearl, the truth declaring, Blooming cheeks, a neck of snow, Tresses like a golden shower, Courtly charms, for baseness, hate, God who made her thus o'ertower All the rest, her way make straight ! Kindness may she do me, sparing Courtship long and favor slow, Give a kiss to cheer my daring More, if more I earn, bestow ; Then the path where pleasures flower We shall tread nor slow nor late, Ah, such hopes my heart o'erpower When her charms I contemplate.
