Classic Poem

CCXXXV

Quondam was I in my lady's grace,
I think as well as now be you;
And when that you have trod the trace
Then shall you know my words be true,
That quondam was I.

Quondam was I. She said for ever.
That ‘ever’ lasted but a short while.
Promise made not to dissever,
I thought she laughed — she did but smile.
Then quondam was I.

Quondam was I — he that full oft lay
In her arms with kisses many one.
It is enough that this I may say:
Though among the moe now I be gone
Yet quondam was I.

Quondam was I. Yet she will you tell
That, since the hour she was first born,
She never loved none half so well
As you. But what although she had sworn?
Sure quondam was I.