to do me right Of that false Bird whom Love can not abide.”

55.

Then spake one Bird, and full assent all gave: “This matter asketh counsel good as grave, For birds we are—all here together brought; And, in good sooth, the Cuckoo here is not; And therefore we a parliament will have.

56.

“And thereat shall the Eagle be our Lord, And other Peers whose names are on record; A summons to the Cuckoo shall be sent, And judgment there be given; or that intent Failing, we finally shall make accord.

57.

“And all this shall be done, without a nay, The morrow after Saint Valentine’s day, Under a maple that is well beseen, Before the chamber-window of the Queen, At Woodstock, on the meadow green and gay.”

58.

She thankéd them; and then her leave she took, And flew into a hawthorn by that brook; And there she sate and sung—upon that tree,— “For term of life Love shall have hold of me!” So loudly, that I with that song awoke.

Unlearned Book and rude, as well I know, For beauty thou hast none, nor eloquence, Who did on thee the hardiness bestow To appear before my Lady? but a sense Thou surely hast of her benevolence, Whereof her hourly bearing proof doth give; For of all good, she is the best alive.

Alas, poor Book! for thy unworthiness, To show to her some pleasant meanings writ In winning words, since through her gentleness, Thee she accepts as for her service fit; Oh! it repents me I have neither wit Nor leisure unto thee more worth to give; For of all good, she is the best alive.

Beseech her meekly with all lowliness, Though I be far from her I reverence, To think upon my truth and steadfastness, And to abridge my sorrow’s violence, Caused by the wish, as knows your sapience, She of her liking, proof to me would give; For of all good, she is the best alive.

L’ENVOY.

Pleasure’s Aurora, Day of gladsomeness! Lucerne, by night, with heavenly influence Illumined! root of beauty and goodness, Write, and allay, by your beneficence, My sighs breathed forth in silence,—comfort give! Since of all good, you are the best alive.

Pleasure’s

EXPLICIT.

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