C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

The Lover Prayeth Not to be Disdained, Refused, Mistrusted, nor Forsaken

DISDAIN me not without desert,

Nor leave me not so suddenly;

Since well ye wot that in my heart

I mean ye not but honestly.

Refuse me not without cause why,

For think me not to be unjust;

Since that by lot of fantasy,

This careful knot needs knit I must.

Mistrust me not, though some there be

That fain would spot my steadfastness;

Believe them not, since that ye see,

The proof is not as they express.

Forsake me not, till I deserve;

Nor hate me not, till I offend;

Destroy me not, till that I swerve:

But since ye know what I intend,

Disdain me not, that am your own;

Refuse me not, that am so true;

Mistrust me not, till all be known;

Forsake me not now for no new.