76 ANOTHER LABORER WEIGHS HIS HIRE
Reading edition
“Amors, tant vos ai servit”
—Raimbaut de Vaqueiras.
Lord, I have worshipped thee ever,— Through all these years I have served thee, forsaking never Light Love that veers As a child between laughter and tears. Hast thou no more to afford,— Naught save laughter and tears,— Love, my lord? I have borne thy heaviest burden, Nor served thee amiss: When thou hast given a guerdon, Lo, it was this— A sigh, a shudder, a kiss. Hast thou no more to accord? I would have more than this, Love, my lord. I am wearied of love that is pastime And gifts that it brings; I entreat of thee, lord, at this last time Ineffable things. Nay, have proud long-dead kings Stricken no subtler chord, Whereof the memory clings, Love, my lord? But for a little we live; Show me thine innermost hoard! Hast thou no more to give, Love, my lord?