Ballad

Sweet Lady, fair and gentle without peer, Have mercy on me, who all thy words obey Body and soul do I abandon here Unto thy will, and humbly thus I pray: Come quickly nigh, Have pity, and cure my sickness when I cry: Oh, I beseech thee, graciously attend And so consent to take me for thy friend.

To thee I give myself, O flower most dear. For mercy I beseech, and wilt thou slay? I charge thee by that Lord whom we revere To lift this wrong that crushes me away. No help have I From any other: leave me not to die! See, faithfully I serve thee to the end, And so consent to take me for thy friend.

Seest thou not how I shed full many a tear: And if thy help for longer shall delay I am but shent, what need to speak more clear? Ah, love me, Love so holds me in his sway! Then hither hie, Be merciful, for near to death I lie: 'Tis truth, thou knowest, I have no hope to mend, And so consent to take me for thy friend.

Lady, I thank thee, and all my duty send, And so consent to take me for thy friend.