The Rejected Lover

	I knew your deceit to be foolish,

	my fair little girl, before tonight.

	I have a mind, in a moment's vigour,

4	to rebuke you, whose deceptions are frequent,

	Morfudd daughter of Madog Lawgam,

	by the Pope, I know why

	you left me on the seashore,

8	wretched, widowed in this way.

	While I was able (I never corrupted praise)

	to deputize for your husband

	(transgression–plaint, a lovely enchantment),

12	correct me, but did you not love me?

	I have since been found wanting,

	due to injury I am weary with no refuge.

	In your view (the power of pain)

16	does the idle black [man] sway well?

	You exchanged me (such a disappointment),

	star of brilliant white hue,

	just like the man (a false condition)

20	who has beneath the yokes

	two pairs of tireless oxen

	attached to the same sturdy prudent plough.

	If he ploughs my gravel–breached cheek,

24	an untilled headland, he'll hold alternately

	one pair today, by God our Lord,

	and tomorrow the other, most futile,

	as one does (a painfully worded rebuke)

28	while playing ball, my faith–sister:

	you are well loved, your shape has been pursued

	from hand to hand, you shining image.

	Of endless talents, fair cherished form,

32	this is your intention, gentle Dyfr's likeness.

	A squire with faded double–layered garments,

	tight as bark,

	he swam forth robustly, full of passion,

36	without reward, a hard bargain.

	He who would do what's best beneath the birches,

	if the girl wants it, let him enter,

	and he who has done so (brotherhood of dread),

40	let him leave a dupe.

	I regret having loved you,

	you cast me off, the pain was brief.

	It's true that any barrel,

44	when it's empty, is tossed aside.