I speke onliche as of the dede,[940]

Of which I nevere was coupable[941]

Withoute cause resonable.

Bot this is noght to mi matiere

Of schrifte, why we sitten hiere;

[Contek within the Heart.]

For we ben sett to schryve of love,

As we begunne ferst above:

And natheles I am beknowe

That as touchende of loves throwe, 1130