TO A LADY

by: William Dunbar (1465-1520?)

WEET rois [1] of vertew and of gentilness,

Delytsum lily of everie lustynes,

Richest in bontie and in bewtie clear,

And everie vertew that is wenit [2] dear,

Except onlie that ye are mercyless,

 

Into your garth [3] this day I did persew;

There saw I flowris that fresche were of hew;

Baith quhyte and reid most lusty were to seyne [4],

And halesome herbis upon stalkis greene;

Yet leaf nor flowr find could I nane of rew.

 

I doubt that Merche, with his cauld blastis keyne,

Has slain this gentil herb, that I of mene [5];

Quhois piteous death dois to my heart sic paine

That I would make to plant his root againe,--

So confortand his levis unto me bene.

1 rose.

2 weened, esteemed.

3 garden-close.

4 to see.

5 that I complain of, mourn for.

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