Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/175

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Our friendship, but remember you,

That though she keep you from my view,

Your heart is mine, e’en though your flesh

She torture. O keep ever fresh

And free your spirit ’gainst her guile,

Nor suffer that her rede defile

Your mind with treason; keep it pure,

Although your body may endure

Dark prison. Gentle hearts but show

More brightly when they undergo

Fierce chastisement. If Jealousy

Declare herself thine enemy,

Take courage and defend your right,

Nor courage lack to face her spite,

At least in thought: do this, and I

Shall peace and solace gain thereby.

But now am I borne down by dole,

Lest you, within your secret soul

Perchance but con me little thank,

Since ’twas for me, alas! you drank

This cup of bitterness. But ne’er

My heart hath been so base as bear

One treasonous thought against you. None

Dare ever charge me to have done

One deed whereof I need repent.

God knows ’neath what a weight is bent

My sorrowing heart: e’en more than you

I suffer, for remorse doth brew

For me a bitter draught; well-nigh,

In truth, I come near death when I

Remember all my loss. ’Twould be

Small marvel though fear mastered me,