University of Virginia Library


15

XVII

[Helpe me to seke for I lost it there]

Helpe me to seke for I lost it there:
And if that ye have founde it, ye that be here,
And seke to convaye it secretely,
Handell it soft and trete it tenderly
Or els it will plain and then appere,
But rather restore it mannerly,
Syns that I do aske it thus honestly;
For to lese it it sitteth me to neere:
Helpe me to seke.
Alas, and is there no remedy,
But I have I thus lost it wilfully?
I wis it was a thing all to dere
To be bestowed and wist not where.
It was myn hert: I pray you hertely
Help me to seke.