Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/131

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“Fair sir, with right goodwill,” I cried.

“I take your welcome word; beside

My power or speech it is to give

You worthy thanks, but while I live

Shall be your debtor.”

By his aid

I climbed the thorn-set hedge, and made

My way within the envious close

That circled round the longed-for Rose.

To seek one special bud I ran

Which seemed to me more fragrant than

The host of others, and with me

Fair-Welcome went, in company.

I need not ask you to believe

What rapture ’twas to thus achieve

The object of my one desire—

The Rose—which burnt my heart like fire,

And thanks, untold, Fair-Welcome gained,

Through whom I had this goal attained.

But out, alas! unhappy I,

A villain wretch was hid hard by,

Danger to wit, the forge of woes

For all who dare approach the Rose.

Within a corner dim lurked he,

Concealed by grass and greenery,

Watching, with envious eye, whoso

Should venture near the Rose to go.

With this foul churl were other three,

Whose care it is love’s path should be

Beset with briars; vile Evil-Tongue,

And Shame and Fear: the best among