Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/155

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The generous accents of his tongue,

Proclaim him vigorous, blithe and young;

Whereof thank God!

On any dame

Or guardian, should I cry out shame,

Who, when such lover prayed a kiss,

With churlish heart denied that bliss!

List then my counsel, and bestow

The boon that he desireth so.

From archèd lips, his breath as sweet

Exhales as southern winds that beat

On fresh-blown violet-beds. He seems

One of those happy youths whose dreams

Are but of soft and sweet desires.

His lips are red as ruby fires,

And close on teeth as pure and white

As fleur-de-lis in springtide bright;

And, to my deeming, nought amiss

It were to grant him one sweet kiss.

So let it be, nor longer stay,

’Twere time but lost to make delay.”

AIR-WELCOME, when he felt the flame

Of Venus’ brand, forthwith became

Willing to grant my prayer, and nought

He hindered more the boon I sought.