Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/106

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And joys of love may learn, and grow

The deep significance to know

The tale containeth. Now is hid

The truth, which all uncoverèd

Shall be when you have read throughout

The story—clear of lies or doubt.

ORE all beware of Villainy,”

Quoth Love, “and utterly deny

All knowledge of her, under pain

That all thy vows I count but vain.

Those who love Villainy I hate,

And count them excommunicate.

’Tis Villainy doth villains breed,

I hate her every thought and deed,

For fell is Villainy, and none

From her hath love or pity won.

Keep guard upon thy mouth lest leak

Therefrom such things as none should speak,

But labour to forget. Both base

And mean are slanderous tongues. The case

Of Arthur’s seneschal, Sir Kay,

Remember; loved he to missay,

Fulfilled of hatred, spite and spleen.

Right well was Gawain loved, I ween.