Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/135

Rh

As spike-set herse, his red eyes burned

Like fire above his nose upturned,

While loudly, maniac-voiced, he cried:

“Fair-Welcome, are you then beside

Your wit to bring a gallant thus

Anear the Rose? most infamous

Is his intent towards you; no one

But you this great disgrace had done.

To serve a felon is to be

Partaker of his felony.

A kindness you have will to do

To him, who but betrayeth you.”

LY, slave! begone from out my sight,

Ere on your pate my club doth light!

This fool, Fair-Welcome, little knew

The man he gave his aid unto,

For in your speech have you betrayed

The treachery that my hand hath stayed;

Avaunt! nor seek you to explain

Your crime, with me fair words are vain.”