IX

Yes, love me, love me well. You need not fear

To hurt me further. Like a careless knight

That riding lonely, with averted sight,

Has struck a passer unawares, so here

Have you struck me amid the branches sere

Of this dark forest. If you now alight,

Give water to my lips and through the night

Keep peril from me, with the morning's clear

New dawn I'll rise again, and both will reap

The mercy of the wound you dealt. Asleep,

Awake, I'll be your shield-bearer, and guard

Your steps upon this road so long and hard.

Then help us both, for all the love you give

But turns to strength whereby we both may live.