Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/101

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For courteous, honest, leal and true;

Ready and ripe for service due.

My bondage weighty is, but I

Reward good servants plenteously.

Thou well may’st feel elate and proud

To be Love’s liegeman, and allowed

His livery from this day to wear.

Love doth the noble banner bear

Of Courtesy, and ever shows

Him sweetly gentle unto those

Who love him, and upon them take

His lordship. He will surely make

From out their hearts to disappear

All base desire, all servile fear.

ITH clasped, uplifted hands I cried:

“Behold your bondsman.” Love replied

By pressing ruby lips to mine.

Oh, heaven of bliss! Oh, joy divine!

For hostage then he took me straight.

“Good friend,” quoth he, “full oft my fate

Hath been false homage to receive

From men who swear but to deceive.

VOL. I.