Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/110

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My counsel is, neglect it not,

For praise and thanks may thence be got, And every man in time and place

Should practise that which brings him grace.

If lithe and strong of limb thou art,

Fear not, but boldly act thy part,

And canst thou well a-horseback sit,

Prick high and low in pride of it;

And much with ladies ’twill advance

Thy suit, if well thou break’st a lance,

For who in arms his own doth hold,

Winneth acceptance manifold.

And if a voice strong, sweet and clear

Thou hast, and dames desire to hear

Thee sing, seek not to make excuse,

But straightway from thy memory loose

Some ditty soft; and shouldst thou know

To wake the viol’s voice with bow,

Or tune the flute, or deftly dance,

Such things thy suit will much advance.

With diligence avoid the name

Of miser; obloquy and shame

Belong thereto, and lovers should,

Of all men, show a liberal mood

Of open-handed generousness,

For he who doth deny largess,

Knows not the alphabet of love.

Therefore I counsel thee above

All else no miser be, a mean

And niggard soul hath never been

My faithful servitor; the swain

Who, for his mistress’ glance is fain