Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/128

94

Can Sweet-Looks help thee, though above

All else he serves the cause of love.

Ah, happy those day by day

God keeps from wandering far away

From that sweet object of desire

That burns their hearts like holy fire:

Each day their longing eyes have caught

That sight, all misery count they nought,

Nor raging winds, or rains they fear,

Or wrong, or danger, if anear

Their loved one they may come; when once

With love the eyes begin to dance,

They will not selfishly enjoy

Their happy moments, but employ

The heart likewise, and give it peace,

For through soft eyes a rich increase

Of joyance woe-worn hearts may gain,

And darkest clouds disperse amain.

As new-born morning chaseth night

Across the hills, and haileth light,

E’en so Sweet-Looks, like dawning clears

Dark clouds from lovers’ hearts and cheers

Their drooping spirits, which through day

And night have worn long hours away

In sighs and tears, for sad hearts rise

From grief to joy through love’s bright eyes.

Thus as a faithful master, I

Thy faults and errors, truthfully

Have told thee in plain speech, and named

Fair means whereby, all unashamed,

Lovers may gain their chief desire.

Suffer thou not thine heart to tire