Classic Poem

LXXVIII

Since Love will needs that I shall love,
Of very force I must agree
And since no chance may it remove
In wealth and in adversity,
I shall alway myself apply
To serve and suffer patiently.

Though for goodwill I find but hate
And cruelty my life to waste
And though that still a wretched state
Should pine my days unto the last,
Yet I profess it willingly
To serve and suffer patiently.

For since my heart is bound to serve
And I not ruler of mine own,
Whatso befall till that I sterve,
By proof full well it shall be known
That I shall still myself apply
To serve and suffer patiently.

Yea, though my grief find no redress
But still increase before mine eyes,
Though my reward be cruelness
With all the harm hap can devise,
Yet I profess it willingly
To serve and suffer patiently.

Yea, though Fortune her pleasant face
Should show, to set me up aloft,
And straight my wealth for to deface
Should writhe away as she doth oft,
Yet would I still myself apply
To serve and suffer patiently.

There is no grief, no smart, no woe
That yet I feel, or after shall,
That from this mind may make me go.
And whatsoever me befall,
I do profess it willingly
To serve and suffer patiently.