The madness of lovers
’Tis foolishness to call that life
Which is but fury, rage and strife.
Reason saw well your folly, but
To all her wisdom did you shut
Your ears, and madly you deceived
Yourself when nowise you believed
Her words. Before Dame Reason came.
No power could you from Love reclaim,10720
And now, forsooth, you still despise
My words, since Love alone you prize.
From lovers gain I small esteem,
Meseemeth that alone they dream
Of scattering wide my goods, but whence
Can come the wealth that fools dispense.
When, slaves to Love, they play his game?
That rede you, in the devil’s name!
But hence, and leave me here in peace.
The Lover.
I saw ’twere well my prayers to cease,10730
And sadly thence betook my way.
But, though I went, with her did stay
Her friend arrayed in raiment rich.
I took a path, scarce noting which,
Across that close past all compare,
Filled with delights most heavenly fair,.
The tale whereof ye erst have heard.
But now, alas! no more it stirred
Joy in my heart. I dreamed alone
What manner way might best be done10740
