Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/185

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Proved false. The testament

Hear of your liegeman, whose intent

Hath been to serve you well, and who

Hath ne’er unfaithful been to you—

Suffer Fair-Welcome to receive

My heart, nought else have I to leave.

HILE thus lamented I, aloud,

The many heavy griefs that bowed

My spirit, and all vainly sought

Comfort, I turned my head, and caught

Sight of Dame Reason, who had heard

My sighs, and unto pity stirred

from out her tower descended.

And graciously towards me wended

With will to ease the grief she read

Within my visage. Thus she said:

“My friend, how stands thy business now?

Of thy late folly dost not thou

Grow weary? What dost thou now think

Of lovers’ burdens? Dost thou sink

Beneath their weight? Or dost thou find

Therein delight and peace of mind?