Classic Poem

CX

I have sought long with steadfastness
To have had some ease of my great smart
But naught availeth faithfulness
To grave within your stony heart.

But hap and hit or else hit not
As uncertain as is the wind:
Right so it fareth by the shot
Of Love, alas, that is so blind.

Therefore I played the fool in vain
With pity when I first began
Your cruel heart for to constrain,
Since love regardeth no doleful man.

But of your goodness all your mind
Is that I should complain in vain.
This is the favour that I find:
Ye list to hear how I can plain.

But though I plain to please your heart,
Trust me I trust to temper it so
Not for to care which do revert:
All shall be one in wealth or woe.

For fancy ruleth though right say nay,
Even as the good man kissed his cow:
None other reason can ye lay
But as who sayeth, " I reck not how."