But, Nightingale, so may they not of thee;
For thou hast many a foolish and quaint cry:-
Thou say'st OSEE, OSEE; then how may I
Have knowledge, I thee pray, what this may be?"

26.
"Ah, fool!" quoth she, "wist thou not what it is?
Oft as I say OSEE, OSEE, I wis,
Then mean I, that I should be wondrous fain
That shamefully they one and all were slain,
Whoever against Love mean aught amiss.

27.
"And also would I that they all were dead
Who do not think in love their life to lead;
For who is loth the God of Love to obey
Is only fit to die, I dare well say,
And for that cause OSEE I cry; take heed!"

28.
"Ay," quoth the Cuckoo, "that is a quaint law,
That all must love or die; but I withdraw,
And take my leave of all such company,
For mine intent it neither is to die,
Nor ever while I live Love's yoke to draw.

29.
"For lovers of all folk that be alive,
The most disquiet have and least do thrive;
Most feeling have of sorrow's woe and care,