Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/133

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Almost I deemed me near my end,

For prompt Fair-Welcome was to lend

His help thereto, should not these three,

By sad mischance get sight of me.

And now he bid me come anear

And touch the Rose-tree, scorning fear,

Whereon the Rose-bud grew, and seeing,

How longing therefor, sapped my being,

Stretched forth his hand, and plucked a leaf

From off the Rose-tree’s plenteous sheaf.

This leaf I set to deck my breast,

Deeming the gift a worthy test

That friendliwise Fair-Welcome stood

In my regard, and likelihood

I had of good success.

Then bold

I felt with hope assured, and told

Fair-Welcome how my heart above

All else was captive-led by Love.

“One thing alone, fair sir, can give

To me enjoyment while I live;

For in my heart is buried deep

A wound, whose pulses banish sleep.

Alas! what words can e’er describe

My case, whereat forbear to gibe

Or mock, for rather were I torn

In pieces, than provoke your scorn.”

“Speak forth,” quoth he, “your full desire

Nor fear you aught to raise mine ire

Through that you say, whate’er it be.”

VOL I.