Whereto he replied, "I am quite sure that I am not deceived, and it is in your hands to seek to undeceive yourself as often as you seek to make trial of the pure desire I have to serve you." "I will reward you for that," I answered, "with the same desire; for it seems to me that it would not be well to remain indebted to anybody where the cost is so small." At this moment, without his having a chance to reply to me, the head-shepherd Eleuco came up, saying in a loud voice: "Ho, gay shepherds and fair shepherdesses, make them hear our approach in the village, you singing some chant, maidens, so that we can reply to you, in order that the people of the hamlet may see how much we who are on our way here, do to make our festival joyous." And because in nothing that Eleuco commanded did he fail to be obeyed, straightway the shepherds beckoned to me to begin; and so, availing myself of the opportunity, and profiting by what had passed with Artidoro, I commenced this chant: Whosoever by much striving Would the perfect lover be _Honour needs and secrecy_. Wouldst thou seek with heart elate Love's sweet joy to reach aright, Take as key to thy delight Honour, secrecy as gate. Who thereby would enter straight, Wise and witty though he be _Honour needs and secrecy_. Whoso loveth human beauty, With reproach is oft confounded, If his passion be not bounded By his honour and his duty: And such noble love as booty Winneth every man, if he _Honour have and secrecy_. Everyone this truth hath known, And it cannot be denied, That speech oft will lose the bride Whom a silent tongue hath won, And he will all conflict shun Who a lover is, if he _Honour have and secrecy_. Chattering tongues, audacious eyes, May have brought a thousand cares, May have set a thousand snares For the soul, and so it dies. Whoso would his miseries Lessen, and from strife be free, _Honour needs and secrecy_.