And chide him so perchance ye soften him I pray.
And tell us all his words if he to hear your speech shall deign, ✿ And unto him the tidings bear of lovers ‘twixt you twain:
And both vouchsafe to render me a service free and fain, ✿ And lay my case before him showing how I e’er complain:
And say, “What ails thy bounden thrall this wise to drive away,
Without a fault committed and without a sin to show; ✿ Or heart that leans to other wight or would thy love forego:
Or treason to our plighted troth or causing thee a throe?” ✿ And if he smile then say ye twain in accents soft and slow,
“An thou to him a meeting grant ‘twould be the kindest way!
For he is gone distraught for thee, as well indeed, he might. ✿ His eyes are wakeful and he weeps and wails the livelong night:”
If seem he satisfied by this why then ‘tis well and right, ✿ But if he show an angry face and treat ye with despite,
Trick him and “Naught we know of him!” I beg you both to say.[[330]]