“And also would I that they all were dead
Who do not think in love their life to lead;
For who is loth the God of Love to obey
Is only fit to die, I dare well say,
And for that cause Osee I cry; take heed!”
28.
“Ay,” quoth the Cuckoo, “that is a quaint law,
That all must love or die; but I withdraw,
And take my leave of all such company,
For mine intent it neither is to die,
Nor ever while I live Love’s yoke to draw.
29.
“For lovers of all folk that be alive,
The most disquiet have and least do thrive;
Most feeling have of sorrow’s woe and care,
And the least welfare cometh to their share;
What need is there against the truth to strive?”
30.
“What!” quoth she, “thou art all out of thy mind,
That in thy churlishness a cause canst find
To speak of Love’s true Servants in this mood;
For in this world no service is so good
To every wight that gentle is of kind.
31.
“For thereof comes all goodness and all worth;
All gentleness and honour thence come forth;
Thence worship comes, content and true heart’s pleasure,
And full-assuréd trust, joy without measure,
And jollity, fresh cheerfulness, and mirth:
32.