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Perfumed the air, save that I feared.

To be estopped, whene’er I neared

The goal I sought, and fail to get

The prize whereon my soul was set.

ESIDE the hedge awhile I stood,

With wavering heart, in dubious mood,

When towards me came, with gracious mien,

A youth whose aspect well I ween

Lord Momus had not dared to blame.

Quoth he: “Fair-Welcome is my name,

The son of kind-heart Courtesy.”

With graceful gest he showed to me

A path, and noting my surprise,

Thus spake he forth in friendly wise.

“Fair sir, if ’tis your wish to find

How you perchance may come behind

The hedge, to taste the odour sweet

The roses breathe, you may your feet

By my assistance set therein,

Thy promise given, that nought of sin

Or folly moves thee. Willingly,

That understood, I promise thee,

To that fair rose-tree free access,

Of generous love and friendliness.”