Sir Thomas Wyatt. "Was never file yet half so well yfiled."

THE ABUSED LOVER SEETH HIS FOLLY,

AND INTENDETH TO TRUST

NO MORE.

AS never file yet half so well yfiled,
To file a file for any smith's intent,
As I was made a filing instrument,
To frame other, while that I was beguiled :
But reason, lo, hath at my folly smiled,
And pardoned me, sins that I me repent
Of my lost years, and of my time misspent.
For youth led me, and falsehood me misguided.
Yet, this trust I have of great apparence:
Since that deceit is aye returnable,
Of very force it is agreeable,
That therewithal be done the recompense :
Then guile beguiled plained should be never ;
And the reward is little trust for ever.

Source:
Yeowell, James, Ed. The Poetical Works of Sir Thomas Wyatt.
London: George Bell and Sons, 1904. 2-3.

to the Works of Sir Thomas Wyatt