Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/142

108

SOUGHT him straight, and did unfold

To him my troubled state, and told

At full the amorous lore I’d learned

From Love, and what sore anguish burned

Within my breast. I showed to him

The tale complete: how Danger’s grim

Fierce aspect feared me, and how he

Fair-Welcome chased with contumely,

And threatened o’er my back to break

His club, if I should dare to take

The Rose-bud, or should venture in,

With hope my sweet desire to win.

When all the truth my friend had heard

He uttered no desponding word,

UT said, “Dear comrade, cast aside

Your fears, be nowise terrified;

This Danger, since longtime I know

For one who spareth not to throw

Curses, and menaces, and threats

Against each generous youth who sets