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I care not for the fan or mask,
When Titan's heat reflecteth;
A homely hat is all I ask,

Which well my face protecteth;
Yet I am in my country guise
Esteemed lasse as pretty
As those that every day devise
New shapes in court or city.

In every season of the year

I undergo my labor;

No shower nor wind at all I fear,
My limbs I do not favor.

If summer's heat my beauty stain,
It makes me ne'er the sicker,

Sith I can wash it off again

With a cup of Christmas liquor.

From a black-letter copy in the Assigns of Symcocke.

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O had I beforehand

But known of this Rosa,
The lovely milk-maiden

Of fair Finojosa :

Her very great beauty
Had not so subdued,
Because it had left me,

To do as I would!

I have said more, O fair one,
By learning 'twas Rosa,
The charming milk-maiden
Of sweet Finojosa.

Translation of T. Roscoe.

LOPE DE MENDOZA, 1398-1459

SERVIAN

SONG OF THE PEASANT'S WIFE.

Come, companion, let us hurry,
That we may be early home;
For my mother-in-law is cross!
Only yestreen she accused me-

Said that I had beat my husband,

When, poor soul, I had not touched him;

Only bid him wash the dishes,

And he would not wash the dishes;
Threw, then, at his head the pitcher;
Knocked a hole in head and pitcher;
For the head I do not care much;
But I care much for the pitcher,
As I paid for it right dearly-
Paid for it with one wild apple-
Yes, and half a one besides.

Translated by TALVI,

LINES.

She dwelt among the untrodden ways,
Beside the springs of Dove;

A maid whom there were none to praise,

And very few to love:

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I know that I have passed

Great part of my days with joy and pleasaunce.

I know that I have gathered

Sins, and also do little penance.

I know that by ignorance,

To excuse me there is no art.

I know that once shall be

When my soul shall depart

That I shall wish that I had mended me.

I know there is no remedy,

And therefore my life amend I will!

RICHARD PYNSON, 16th centu y.

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