Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/108

74

And into folly linked with sin

Man falls when once immersed therein;

For every man whose soul is stained

With pride is past all hope enchained

To actions, thoughts, and words that prove

Him alien to the House of Love,

Nor shall he know his heart to bend

In suchwise as to gain love’s end.

Let him who would in love succeed,

To courteous word wed noble deed;

For he who is in mode and mien

Gentle and affable, I ween,

Around him gathereth meed and praise,

While foolish vanity betrays

A man blunt-witted.

Thou shouldst wear

Rich habit as thy purse can bear,

Well formed aud fashioned; fair attire

Is oft good fuel for love’s fire.

Employ no tailor who doth cut

The cloth askew to wasting, but

One who hath skill to join each sleeve

And seam with neatness. Do not leave

Thy shoes half laced, but have them new

And sprucely made, fitting to true

And perfect measure, then wilt thou

See envious whisperers wondering how

Ye put them on and take them off,

But nought need fear their gibe or scoff;

Wear gloves well made; thy purse should be

Of satin, and, tied daintily

About thy waist, wear sash. If thou

For such gear hast not wealth enow,