Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/111

Rh

To risk dear life, and willingly

Would die the death if only she

Would give him one sweet smile, should ne’er,

That gained, desire his purse to spare.

Now hearken, while I strive to bring

Shortly before thee everything

Thou erst hast heard; things briefest said

Are oft-times best rememberèd.

Whoso desireth Love to take

For lord and master, must forsake

Pride, and be wed to Courtesy.

Gracious and merry must he be,

Well known and loved for open hand.

Next, for a penance dost thou stand

Commanded that by night and day

Thy soul be given to love alway,

And ever let thy memory cling

About the source of love’s sweet spring.

Desiring thou mayst perfect be

In loving, I ordain to thee,

Without appeal, that in one spot

Thy very heart is centred, not

Lukewarmly, but all doubt aside,

Void of deceit thou dost abide;

Half-hearted service count I nought,

And he who foolishly hath sought,

With heart divided, grace to gain,

Shall find his labour lost and vain:

He only hath my sovereign grace,

Whose heart is fixed in one sure place.

Moreover say I, let thy heart,

Its home once fixed, ne’er more depart