VIII. In sooth, I speak from feeling, what though now IX. Such shaking doth the fever in me keep Through all this May that I have little sleep; And also 'tis not likely unto me, That any living heart should sleepy be 40 44 In which Love's dart its fiery point doth steep. X. But tossing lately on a sleepless bed, XI. 50 And then I thought anon as it was day, XII. And soon as I a glimpse of day espied, But straightway to a wood that was hard by, And held the pathway down by a brook-side; XIII. Till to a lawn I came all white and green, I in so fair a one had never been. 59 The ground was green, with daisy powdered over; Tall were the flowers, the grove a lofty cover, All green and white; and nothing else was seen. XIV. 65 There sate I down among the fair fresh flowers, And saw the birds come tripping from their bowers, Where they had rested them all night; and they, Who were so joyful at the light of day, Began to honour May with all their powers. 70 XV. Well did they know that service all by rote, And there was many and many a lovely note, Some, singing loud, as if they had complained; Some with their notes another manner feigned; And some did sing all out with the full throat. XVI. They pruned themselves, and made themselves right gay, Dancing and leaping light upon the spray; The same as they had chosen for the year, XVII. 76 80 Meanwhile the stream, whose bank I sate upon, 85 XVIII. And for delight, but how I never wot, XIX. And that was right upon a tree fast by, 89 Now, God, quoth I, that died upon the rood, From thee and thy base throat, keep all that's good, Full little joy have I now of thy cry. XX. 95 And, as I with the Cuckoo thus 'gan chide, XXI. Ah! good sweet Nightingale! for my heart's XXII. 103 But hear you now a wondrous thing, I pray; As long as in that swooning-fit I lay, Methought I wist right well what these birds. meant, 108 And had good knowing both of their intent, And of their speech, and all that they would say. XXIII. The Nightingale thus in my hearing spake :- XXIV. 114 What! quoth she then, what is 't that ails thee now? It seems to me I sing as well as thou; For mine's a song that is both true and plain,— As thou dost in thy throat, I wot not how. 120 XXV. All men may understanding have of me, XXVI. 124 Ah, fool! quoth she, wist thou not what it is? Then mean I, that I should be wonderous fain That shamefully they one and all were slain, XXVII. And also would I that they all were dead, And for that cause OSEE I cry; take heed! 135 XXVIII. Ay, quoth the Cuckoo, that is a quaint law, Nor ever while I live Love's yoke to draw. 140 XXIX. For lovers, of all folk that be alive, The most disquiet have and least do thrive ; XXX. What! quoth she, thou art all out of thy mind, mood; For in this world no service is so good XXXI. 150 For thereof comes all goodness and all worth ; And full-assured trust, joy without measure, XXXII. And bounty, lowliness, and courtesy, 159 |