Ballads and Lyrics of Old France (3)

RONDEL

    STRENGTHEN, my Love, this castle of my heart, And with some store of pleasure give me aid, For Jealousy, with all them of his part, Strong siege about the weary tower has laid. Nay, if to break his bands thou art afraid, Too weak to make his cruel force depart, Strengthen at least this castle of my heart, And with some store of pleasure give me aid. Nay, let not Jealousy, for all his art Be master, and the tower in ruin laid, That still, ah Love！ thy gracious rule obeyed. Advance, and give me succour of thy part； Strengthen, my Love, this castle of my heart.