Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/109

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Then of its bravery abate

Somewhat to suit thy lesser state:

But let thy ’tiring be no worse

Than fits the coin that lines thy purse.

A wildflower chaplet mayst thou boast,

Or roses blown at Pentecost,

At modest charge. Sweet cleanliness

Use thou as part of gentleness.

Wash oft thine hands, and ne’er forget

Thy teeth to whiten, nor e’er let

Thy finger nails untended be,

But pare and keep them carefully.

Lace well thy sleeves, and comb thine hair,

But painted face and leering stare

Disdain, it suits but women or

Vile men, who get due scorn therefor.

And next remember that, above

All else, gay heart inspireth love.

A laughing mouth and merry smile

May oft a lady’s heart beguile;

A sweet disease that casteth care

Is love, and many a joy doth bear;

Yet oft-times lovers undergo

Immingled hours of joy and woe;

One day consumed in sweet delight,

The next involved in sorrow’s night;

For love goes ever in extremes;

Sometimes enwrapt in pleasant dreams

The lover is, then lost in tears,

A medley strange of hopes and fears.

If thou shouldst know some cheerful play

Or game to wile dull hours away,