Page:Omniana 2.djvu/170

 :With stinging nettles and such weedery,
 * The pricking thistles the hard'st legs would gore;
 * Under the wall a straight door we descry,

The Wall hight Self-conceit, the Door Humility.


 * When we came at the door fast lockt it was.
 * And Simon had the key, but he nould grant
 * That I into that other land should pass
 * Without I made him my concomitant.
 * It pleased me well, I mus'd not much upon't
 * But straight accord; for why? a jolly swain
 * Methought he was; meek, chearful, and pleasant.
 * When he saw this, he thus to me again,

Sir, see you that sad couple? Then I, I see those twain.


 * A sorry couple certainly they be,
 * The man a bloody knife holds at his heart.
 * With chearless countenance; as sad is she;
 * Or eld, or else intolerable smart
 * Which she can not decline by any art,
 * Doth thus distort and writhe her wrinkled face;
 * A leaden quadrate swayes hard on that part
 * That's fit for burdens; foulness doth deface

Her aged looks; with a straight staff her steps she stayes.


 * Right well you say, then said that lusty swain,
 * Yet this poor couple be my parents dear,
 * Nor can I hence depart without these twain;
 * These twain give life to me, though void of chear