Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/151

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Of wrath against me. Then he took

My hand, with reassuring look.

Leading once more within the bound

That cinctured Rose and Rose-bud round.

Therein to wander as I would.

Nought fearing Danger’s evil mood.

ND thus I passed—believe me well—

To brightest heaven, from darkest hell,

For all throughout that closure rare,

Fair-Welcome left me free to fare

Whereso I would, and when the tree

I came anear, it seemed to me

That somewhat larger had it grown

Since first I cast mine eyes upon

Its wondrous beauty. Greater height

The bush had gained, but not yet quite

The bud had oped its eye to show

The golden grain that lay below;

While o’er its head, as ’twere a roof,

The petals bent them for behoof

And guarding of the precious seed,

Which future roses yet should breed.

But, God be thanked, the bud I found

Of just expansion, full and round