Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/25

 Rh ollows his footsteps, but he nevertheless pursues his way through the pleasaunce and describes the great variety of beautiful trees that meet his gaze. Rabbits bound over the flower-decked turf, and squirrels spring from branch to branch among the trees. The grass is kept evergreen by little runlets of water which intersect the lawns. At last he comes upon a marble fountain beneath a gigantic pine-tree, on which he sees an inscription declaring it to be the fountain in which Narcissus wept himself away.

The opening of the story of Narcissus and Echo.

The story of Narcissus concluded. The Dreamer’s first impulse was flight when he recognised the fountain of Narcissus, but second thoughts induced him to stay and examine it carefully. Gazing into its crystal waters he perceives that from either side of the fountain may be seen reflected one-half of the garden and the wonders contained therein. But that which attracts him more than all else that he sees re­flected in the water is a Rose-tree charged with buds. So greatly desirous does he feel to approach this tree, and if he may not possess himself of a bud, at least to enjoy the sweet savour of the blooms, that the offer of the city of Paris or of Pavia would not induce him to forego his desire. But, alas! the Rose-tree is surrounded by a thick hedge of thorns, briars, and thistles.