Robbins Library Digital Projects > TEAMS Middle English Texts > The Complete Harley 2253 Manuscript, Volume 2 > Art. 24a, Charnel amour est folie

Art. 24a, Charnel amour est folie

59v]   



5


 ¶ Charnel amour est folie!
Qe velt amer sagement
Eschywe ce quar breve vie
Ne lesse durer longement.
Ja n’ert la char si florie
Que a purreture ne descent
Brief delit est lecherie,
Mes santz fyn dure le torment.     		 ¶ Carnal love is folly!
He who wishes to love wisely
Avoids it because life’s brevity
Doesn't allow it to endure long.
Never did flesh exist or flourish
That didn't descend to rottenness.   
Lechery is a brief pleasure,
But torment lasts without end.








Go To Art. 24a*, Momentaneum est quod delectat, introduction
Go To Art. 24a*, Momentaneum est quod delectat, text