COMPLAINT FOR TRUE LOVE UNREQUITED.

W HAT 'vaileth truth, or by it to take pain ?
   To strive by steadfastness for to attain
   How to be just, and flee from doubleness ?
Since all alike, where ruleth craftiness,
Rewarded is both crafty, false, and plain.
    Soonest he speeds that most can lie and feign :
True meaning heart is had in high disdain.
Against deceit and cloaked doubleness,
What 'vaileth truth, or perfect steadfastness ?
    Deceived is he by false and crafty train,
That means no guile, and faithful doth remain
Within the trap, without help or redress :
But for to love, lo, such a stern mistress,
Where cruelty dwells, alas, it were in vain.
                                     What 'vaileth truth !



Source:
Yeowell, James, Ed. The Poetical Works of Sir Thomas Wyatt.
London: George Bell and Sons, 1904. 23.



Backto the Works of Sir Thomas Wyatt


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Created by Anniina Jokinen on January 13, 2001. Last updated January 20, 2007.