[Jacopone da Todi, Guarda che non cagi, amico, “Laude”, XX, 13th century.]
Friend, beware lest thou fall:
Beware!
First, beware thy ghostly foe,
Who in friend's disguise doth go,
Trust him not, he brings thee woe:
Beware!
Turn thine Eyes away from ill,
Evil sights may wound thy will;
Healing hurt thee deeper still:
Beware!
Evil tongues a snare will set;
Stop thine Ears: nay, closer yet!
Lest they catch thee in a net:
Beware!
Put a bridle on thy Taste:
Plenty turns to poisonous waste,
Then comes Luxury in haste:
Beware!
Scents and savours perilous,
Fragrances insidious—
God hath set them far from us:
Beware!
God is grieved by sinful Touch;
Set thy guard and keep thy watch!
Thou may'st perish in its clutch:
Beware!
From thy kindred dwell apart,
Lest they shake thy steadfast heart,
Lest they cause thee dole and smart;
Beware!
Watch! thy friends will throng around,
Run like ants, like ants abound,
Dry thy roots in God's own ground:
Beware!
O beware! lest evil thought
Wound and bring thy mind to naught;
Sicken all thy soul distraught:
Beware!
