IF ye would love and lovèd be, | |
| In mind keep well these thingis three, | |
| And sadly in thy breast imprint,— | |
| Be secret, true and patient! | |
| |
| For he that patience can not leir, | 5 |
| He shall displeasance have perquier, | |
| Though he had all this worldis rent: | |
| Be secret, true and patient! | |
| |
| For who that secret cannot be, | |
| Him all good fellowship shall flee, | 10 |
| And credence none shall him be lent: | |
| Be secret, true and patient! | |
| |
| And he that is of heart untrue, | |
| From he be ken’d farewell! adieu! | |
| Fie on him! fie! his fame is went: | 15 |
| Be secret, true and patient! | |
| |
| Thus he that wants ane of these three | |
| Ane lover glad may never be, | |
| But aye in some thing discontent: | |
| Be secret, true and patient! | 20 |
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| Nought with thy tongue thyself discure | |
| The thingis that thou hast of nature; | |
| For if thou dost, thou shalt repent: | |
| Be secret, true and patient! | |
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