But howsoever this might be,
False-Seeming, restless as the sea,
Spake to himself in muttering voice:
False-Seeming.
False-Seeming sums up the case
Since he repenteth not his choice,
If he for whom we undertook
This business, unto me would look13180
For guidance, ’twould have taxed your art,
Good dame, to keep the friends apart
If I know aught of suchlike things,
And understand manœuvrings.
With fitting place, and time to match,
No matter how the fold they watch,
The wolf knows well his aim to cloak,
And in the night-watch gives his stroke.
Some day you’ll to the minster pay
A visit, e’en as yesterday;13190
And Jealousy his chance will crown,
Taking her ways beyond the town;
Then will the time be ripe that he
Should issue forth all furtively.
Proceeding, silent and alone,
By secret ways, to few men known,
Unless, perchance, some kindly friend
As sentinel his aid should lend,
To guide him through the shades of night,
Foregoing torch or lantern light,13200
And such times as the moon rules high,
For many a lover wofully
Therethrough hath failed. And as the spot
To him familiar is, I wot,
