Who hath known the ways of time
⁠Or trodden behind his feet?
⁠There is no such man among men.
For chance overcomes him, or crime
⁠Changes; for all things sweet
⁠In time wax bitter again.
Who shall give sorrow enough,
⁠Or who the abundance of tears?
Mine eyes are heavy with love
⁠And a sword gone thorough mine ears,
⁠A sound like a sword and fire,
⁠For pity, for great desire;
Who shall ensure me thereof,
⁠Lest I die, being full of my fears?

Who hath known the ways and the wrath,
⁠The sleepless spirit, the root
⁠And blossom of evil will,
⁠The divine device of a god?