Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/136

102

MALL lust had I to stay therein,

’Neath Danger’s scowling, hideous grin,

But quick as squirrel o’er the ledge

Of thorns and briers that formed the hedge

I scrambled, and heard Danger shout,

Shaking his monstrous head about,

That if thereto I dared return,

My body vengeance dire should earn.

Fair-Welcome had made good his flight,

And I, a-dread at Danger’s spite

And malice, stood ashamed, as one

Amazed, recalling all I’d done

And said, and then my folly saw,

And how I well might fear to draw

Sorrow and misery great therefrom.

But that whereby was overcome

My spirit mostly, was the thought

Of that thorn hedge. But surely nought

Can one who hath not dared to love

Know of the pains that lovers prove.

Love had not failed to keep his word,

Which warned me, that both stern and hard

Should be his service. Ne’er can know

The heart of man, or tongue e’er show,