The following is a roundel attributed to Chaucer:—
I.-Burden.
So hath your beauty fro your hertè chased
Pitee, that mee availeth not to pleyne;
For daunger[2] halt your mercy in his cheyne.
II.
Giltles my deth thus have ye purchased,
I sey you soth, me nedeth not to fayne;
So hath, etc.
III.
Alas, that Nature hath in you compassed
So grete beaute, that no man may atteyne
To mercy, though he stewe[3] for the peyne.
So hath, etc.
[2] Dominion, power.
[3] Sterve.