Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/27

Rh desire for instruction. He in turn entreats his master to teach him all the mysteries of the art of love.

The God then essays to Instruct his disciple, and lays his commands upon him, informing him, moreover, of the joys, sorrows, and perils that are inseparable from his service.

Love disappears, leaving his servant torn with conflicting emotions, but desirous above all things of overcoming the formidable hedge that surrounds the Rose-tree, and of possessing him­ self of the particular Rosebud on which he has set his heart.

While debating with himself whether he shall attempt to pass the formidable barrier, he sees coming towards him a gentle youth, who proves to be Fair-Welcome. He frankly offers to assist the Lover in overcoming the obstacle that separates him from the object of his passion. He promptly accepts the kind and generous offer. But, alas! he perceives Danger lurking beside the Rose-tree, and with him Evil-Tongue, Shame, and Fear, who are there to assist him as guardians of the Roses and Rosebuds. Fair-Welcome encourages the Lover to pluck a rose, and, in earnest of his happiness, presents him with a green leaf from off the tree, wherewith he decks his vestment. But when he proposes to pluck the Rosebud that he so greatly longs for, his