Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/141

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You counsel me, that I with bold,

Unbending will my heart withhold

From Love’s dominion. Dream you then

That Love permitteth it to men

To rule their hearts when he hath got

Them ’neath his foot? ’Fore Heaven, you wot

Thereof but little. Love hath so

Subdued me, that my heart doth know

Nought but his will. His golden key

Hath locked it fast unalteringly.

Cease then, I pray, you do but lose

Your time, and fair French words misuse,

Thus sermoning me, who, for my part,

Would sooner die than deem my heart

Despised of Love for falsity.

I little reck although I be

Or praised or blamed, but while I live,

To Love my heart will wholly give:

Forego your counselling I pray.”

Then Reason ceased and turned away

Her face, convinced that words were vain

To loose my heart from Love’s strong rein.

Distress and wrath my being thrilled,

The while with tears mine eyes were filled,

To think how helpless there I stood.

But Love had counselled that I should

Seek out some comrade, unto whom

I might, when life seemed wrapped in gloom,

Confide my cares; therefrom I drew

Much comfort, deeming that I knew

A Friend, from whose advice my mind

Would grateful ease and solace find.