They flee from me that sometime did me seek



With naked foot, stalking in my chamber.



I have seen them gentle, tame, and meek,



That now are wild and do not remember



That sometime they put themself in danger



To take bread at my hand; and now they range,



Busily seeking with a continual change.







Thanked be fortune it hath been otherwise



Twenty times better; but once in special,



In thin array after a pleasant guise,



When her loose gown from her shoulders did fall,



And she me caught in her arms long and small;



Therewithall sweetly did me kiss



And softly said, “Dear heart, how like you this?”







It was no dream: I lay broad waking.



But all is turned thorough my gentleness



Into a strange fashion of forsaking;



And I have leave to go of her goodness,



And she also, to use newfangleness.



But since that I so kindly am served



I would fain know what she hath deserved.





