Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/198

164

But folly ’tis to mate oneself

With one whose only thought is pelf

And pillage. But I nowise say

It shames ii woman to display

On neck or arm a jewel fair,

If some true knight hath set it there

In gift; but ne’er should dame demand

An offering at her lover’s hand;

That savoureth much of sale, but she

May, saving still her modesty,

Exchange a token with her knight;

By such sweet take and give, more bright

The flame of love doth burn.

’Tis well

That lovers meet full oft, and tell

The thoughts that brim their hearts, and lace

Their arms in gentle, fond embrace.

But keep good heed against the wiles

Of love unholy, which defiles

Its votary; ne’er cease to be

On guard against venality,

Which heart untrue doth oft invade,

O’er true love casting deadly shade.

But perfect love is born of heart

Where gold hath neither lot nor part;

Nor should man let that love inmesh

His soul, whose trammels wake the flesh.

The burning love which overcame

Thy heart was carnal, purer flame

Burnt not within thee; thou the Rose

Thereof didst wish to pluck, God knows!