Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/21



''Though the old English version takes no account of chapters or sections, it is deemed better for the sake of clearness to summarise the 108 sections of which the work consists in their separate sequence, as they are given in the original text. ''

For convenience of reference, the lines of the French text are marked F. in the margin according to the text of the edition printed in the “Bibliothèque Elzevirienne,” Orléans, 1878. C. represents the lines of the old English version as far as it goes, though a portion only is Chaucer’s.

The question is raised as to the truth or falsity Cap. I. of dreams. The author affirms his belief in their fulfilment, and expresses his intention of relating a vision that befell him in the twentieth year of his age.

He entitles his narrative the “Romance of the Rose,” out of compliment to a lady, who worthily bears the name of that fragrant flower, and with whom he is deeply in love.

Five years ago, as he lay on his bed on a May morning, he dreamed that he leapt from his couch, washed his hands and face, and issued forth into the fresh air, that he might enjoy the matin song of the birds. He wanders Rh