| Sir Thomas Wyatt (1503–42). The Poetical Works. 1880. | | | | Rondeaux | | Complaint for true Love unrequited |
| | | WHAT 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. | 5 |
| 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, | 10 |
| 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. | | | | |
|
|
