Classic Poem

CCXIV

Thy promise was to love me best
And that thy heart with mine should rest,
And not to break this thy behest
Thy promise was, thy promise was.

Thy promise was not to acquit
My faithfulness with such despite,
But recompense it if thou might
Thy promise was, thy promise was.

Thy promise was, I tell thee plain,
My faith should not be spent in vain,
But to have more should be my gain
Thy promise was, thy promise was.

Thy promise was to have observed
My faith like as it hath deserved,
And not causeless thus to a' swerved
Thy promise was, thy promise was.

Thy promise was, I dare avow —
But it is changed, I wot well how.
Though then were then and now is now,
Thy promise was, thy promise was.

But since to change thou dost delight
And that thy faith hath ta'en his flight,
As thou deserv'st I shall thee quit
I promise thee, I promise thee.