Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/102

Rh Base rebels have, with many a wile,

My courtesy repaid by guile

And villain strife, but they shall know

My wrath if ever chance should throw

Them ’neath my hand; they dear shall buy

The fruits of vile hypocrisy.

But I such fond affection feel

For thee, that surely would I seal

Thy heart to mine, and hold it fast

In such firm wise that ne’er o’erpast

My vigilance shall be, but still

True faithfulness thy mind fulfil.

Deception were a grievous crime

Towards one whose heart with thine doth chime.

I answered: “Hear me, gentle sire,

And tell me why should you require

Pledge or assurance? You must know

By past experience, as I trow,

That in such wise my heart hath been

Sore handled, that no more I ween

It hath desire to say or do

Aught else but that which pleasureth you.

This heart is yours that once was mine,

And now is bound, without repine,

To follow your command. Therein

You have a garrison will win

The victory ’gainst all comers. But

If thou hast doubt thereof, then shut

And lock it close, and guard the key.”