trobaire.org

a collection of literature from poets, bards, songwriters, and skalds in the SCA

Sonette XXVI

Poem (Canso): 

That prince of deepest woe grants me reward
Which never ‘gain might by his power allow.
Yet still he speaks, warning me of this vow
Whose break my sorrow may still be unbar’d:
“Young Orphos, hark, and to thy goal forward
Might move thou and thy dame to Heaven’s glow.
But look ahead, and do not backward bow
In doubt that Satan sent along thy ward.
For if thou lackest faith, then lackest love;
The two cannot be split ever in twain.
And if thou still seekest my word to prove,
Look on in doubt, and garb thyself in pain.
True love the world has little of in store,
But undeserving men may win no more.”