This hath many a master taught me, that Amor, and Cupid too, 465 And Venus, of both the mother, make all men their deeds to rue; For with darts and with fire they kindle desire in the longing heart, But such love seemeth me but evil that is lighted by torch or dart. And the true heart it loveth ever, be its guerdon or joy or woe, And in honour the love is rooted which alone shall abiding know! 470 'Gainst me have thy darts, O Cupid! I ween ever missed their mark, Nor Amor with spear hath smote me, nor fell on my heart a spark From the torch of thy mother Venus--Tho' love 'neath your rule shall be, If love be my lot, not from _passion_ but from _faith_ shall it bloom for me! And if I with wit and wisdom 'gainst love's spells might a hero aid, 475 Gawain had I gladly aided, nor asked that I be repaid. And yet no shame need he think it if love's fetters him captive hold, And if he of love be vanquished, for her captives are aye the bold. And yet so strong was he ever, and so knightly, to face the foe, That 'tis pity so brave a hero by a _woman_ should be laid low! 480 Now well let us gaze upon thee, thou power which true love doth wield, Such joy hast thou taken from us that barren and reft the field, And thou makest a road of sorrow across it, both long and wide, And if thy goal had been other than the high heart I would not chide. For folly methinks and lightness love all too old shall be, 485 Or shall we to childhood reckon the evil love worketh free? For better are ways unseemly in youth, than if age forget Its wisdom--much ill love worketh, unto which shall the blame be set? For the mind of youth ever wavers, and changeth as changing winds, And if love shall be thus unsteadfast, little praise may she hope to find. 490 Nay, better shall be my counsel, for the _wise_ praise true love alone; Yea, and maiden and man shall join me, and all who love's power have known. When true love unto true love answereth, undarkened by thought of guile, And it vexeth them not that love turneth the key on their heart awhile, For they fear not nor think of wavering, then high as the heaven above 495 O'er the earth, o'er the love that changeth, is such true and steadfast love.