Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/152

118

Of growth, and far more fair of hue

Than heretofore; it seemed anew

To fill my heart with extasy,

To think so sweet a thing might be

Seen on the surface of the earth.

But all the more, now jocund mirth

Possessed my heart, with surer hold,

Did Love his toils around me fold.

Long time I stood as in a trance,

Rejoicing at the wondrous chance

That I Fair-Welcome happed to meet,

Seeing how well did he entreat

My every wish, nor aught deny

I asked him. Then, all hastily,

I dared to make him one request,

Which might his friendship sorely test.

“Fair sir,” quoth I, “one great desire

Consumes my soul, like ardent fire;

’Tis this, that of the Rose, whose scent

With all the air like balm is blent,

You would permit me one soft kiss,

Bathing my heart in perfect bliss.

Fair sir, for love of God, I pray

You turn not scornfully away

From this appeal, unless in it

Something appears you deem unfit.”

“Dear friend,” cried he, “God be mine aid!

If I forsooth were not afraid