Lover with lovèd[[498]] loseth will and aim; ✿ All choice (an couldst thou know) were sinful shame.
Or grant He favour and with union grace, ✿ Or from thee turn away, He hath no blame.
An from such turning thou no joy enjoy ✿ Depart! the place for thee no place became.
Or canst His near discern not from His far? ✿ Then Love’s in vain and thou’rt a-rear and lame.
If pine for Thee afflict my sprite, or men ✿ Hale me to death, the rein Thy hand shall claim!
So turn Thee to or fro, to me ‘tis one; ✿ What Thou ordainest none shall dare defame:
My love hath naught of aim but Thine approof ✿ And if Thou say we part I say the same.
And of the tales they tell is one concerning
[497]. He went in wonder and softened heart to see the miracle of saintly affection.