loving kind

loving kind went by the way,
hapless loving kind,
up and down, by night and day,
his true love to find.

roving eye and nimble tongue
all his paths pursue;
how should he, and he so young,
know false love form true?

some by grace he would compel;
none would he deny;
how shall I prove my true love tell
only passing by?

sober heart and prudent mind
scorns him and reprove;
how shall he by loving find
any truth in love?

yet he smiled and smiling said;
though my love I see
except I take him to my bed,
how shall he know me?

november, 2006