14 Soyes Loyal

anon from Oxford Can. Misc. 213 (~1420)
Soyes loyal a vo povoir, Confort arez de doulx espoir Bien brief, mon amy gracieux, En despit des faulx envieux Qui vos ont greve main et soir. Ne prenes en vous desespoir, Ne vestes point vo cuer de noir, Mais pour vous mostrer vertueux: Soyes loyal a vo povoir… Ne descovres point vo vouloir, Affin qu’on ne puist percevoir, Se d’amer estes angoiseux. Ayn soyes secret et songneux De servir et pour mieux valoir: Soyes loyal a vo povoir…	Remain loyal as well as you are able. You will soon receive comfort from Sweet Hope, My gracious friend, To the distress of the false envious ones Who have wounded you day and night. Don't take upon yourself despair, Never clothe your heart in black, But to show yourself virtuous: Remain loyal as well as you are able… Never unveil your desire Such that one is able to perceive If you are anguished by love. Thus, remain secret and attentive Of serving, and for greater worthiness: Remain loyal as well as you are able…