Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/143

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His foot anear the Rose. Although

At first he maketh wondrous show

Of wrath, ’tis nought, I know him well

As know I A B C to spell.

This Cerberus fierce may be appeased

With little pains; he’s lightly pleased

With soft caress and humble prayer:

Learn then the way that you should bear

Yourself towards him: first begin

By asking pardon for your sin,

Of his sweet love and gentleness.

And then with solemn oath express,

Right hand uplift, your purpose fixed,

That you will never more be mixed

In plot against him; nought allays

His wrath so soon as flattering praise.”

My friend so confidently spake,

As straightway in my soul to wake

New courage, and desire to try

Danger’s rude soul to pacify.

OWARD Danger then once more I came

With timid step, affecting shame,

But ventured not to pass the bound

That hedged the precious Rose-tree round.