Highways and Byways in Sussex

by E. V. Lucas

Rye also possessed an unknown poet. On a blank leaf in an old book in the town's archives is written this poem, in the hand of Henry VIII.'s time:—

What greater gryffe may hape

Trew lovers to anoye,

Then absente for to sepratte them

From ther desiered joye?

What comforte reste them then

To ease them of ther smarte,

But for to thincke and myndful bee

Of them they love in harte?