Classic Poem

CXXXI

Since ye delight to know
That my torment and woe
Should still increase
Without release,
I shall enforce me so
That life and all shall go
For to content your cruelness.

And so this grievous train
That I too long sustain
Shall sometime cease
And have redress
And you also remain
Full pleased with my pain
For to content your cruelness.

Unless that be too light
And that ye would ye might
See the distress
And heaviness
Of one yslain outright,
Therewith to please your sight
And to content your cruelness.

Then in your cruel mood
Would God forthwith ye would
With force express
My heart oppress
To do your heart such good
To see me bathe in blood
For to content your cruelness!

Then could ye ask no more.
Then should ye ease my sore
And the excess
Of mine excess.
And you should evermore
Defamed be therefore
For to repent your cruelness.