Classic Poem

XCI

The knot which first my heart did strain
When that your servant I became
Doth bind me still for to remain
Always your own, as now I am;
And if ye find that I do feign,
With just judgement myself I damn
To have disdain.

If other thought in me do grow
But still to love you steadfastly,
If that the proof do not well show
That I am yours assuredly,
Let every wealth turn me to woe
And you to be continually
My chiefest foe.

If other love or new request
Do seize my heart but only this,
Or if within my wearied breast
Be hid one thought that mean amiss,
I do desire that mine unrest
May still increase and I to miss
That I love best.

If in my love there be one spot
Of false deceit or doubleness
Or if I mind to slip this knot
By want of faith or steadfastness,
Let all my service be forgot
And, when I would have chief redress,
Esteem me not.

But if that I consume in pain
With burning sighs and fervent love
And daily seek none other gain
But with my deed these words to prove,
Methink of right I should obtain
That ye would mind for to remove
Your great disdain.

And for the end of this my song,
Unto your hands I do submit
My deadly grief and pains so strong
Which in my heart be firmly shut.
And when ye list, redress my wrong
Since well ye know this painful fit
Hath last too long.