How from my misery I may be
Deliverèd: all by contrary
You argue, but so far I nought
Have learned from all thy tongue hath taught.
By heart I know each saw that you
Have uttered, and will gladly do
All your commands; would God I might
Gain wisdom thence my soul to light.4650
But, by our Lady, I would know
What like may be this Love whom so
You blame and scorn; can you define
His ways and works, while I incline
A diligent ear to all you say?”
Reason.
Love’s aim
Quoth she: “Right readily, I pray
Thee give good heed: Love is, I trow,
A malady much prone to grow
Severe ’twixt folk of different sex,
And liable to sorely vex4660
Their minds. Once caught, betwixt the two
Befalls a strong desire to do
The self-same thing; to fondle, kiss.
And spend long hours in mutual bliss.
Love doth not crave by any measure
To fill the world—his aim is pleasure—
Thereto alone he gives his mind,
Not the engendering of mankind.
Yet on the other hand have I
Known some who loved but feignedly,4670
