Love, I would give myself to thee
While I'm yet young and fair,
Before the silver strands outvie
The bronze ones in my hair.
My hands they are no longer soft,
Nor either is my heart,
Except the portion saved for thee
While we've been far apart.
Refrain:
A hard road is before me set,
It was laid down by thee,
And I am grateful for the strength
This journey asks of me.
Thou wouldst not have me meek and frail,
A vine climbing thy wall,
And smothering and crumbling it,
As vines will do withal.
Yet wilt thou be as chill as stone,
Declining all embrace?
My arms they spring no roots, my love,
Nor kisses on thy face.
Refrain: repeat
As cruel thou art as thou art bright,
Mon bon homme sans merci!
E'er will I strive within thy sight
Full worthy for to be.
My pain is naught, my toil is naught,
'Tis for lost hours I pine,
While thy dark eyne my soul have caught,
Aye waiting to be thine.
Refrain: repeat.
To walk once more close by thy side,
To play at sweet delights,
To seize the days, my love, and then
As handily seize the nights.
This is my fond design, without
Vain coquetry or guile.
O, do not let thy portion pass
Of all my life's dear while!
Refrain: repeat.
For I would have thee have me bloom,
And not wither with care,
While blushes rise unto my cheeks,
To say thy child I'd bear.
While lustiness still heats my blood,
Brazen I am, and bold:
Love, let me not expend this flame
Upon the grave so cold.
Refrain: repeat
Rosamunde del Shore A.S. XXXI
