Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/28

xxvi companion is much alarmed at his temerity. While they are discussing the subject, Danger suddenly awakes, and roundly rates Fair-Welcome for bringing the Lover within reach of the Rose-tree.

Danger chases Fair-Welcome and the Lover from out the close.

The Lover bitterly laments his hard lot, and declares that only those who have felt the pangs of disappointed love can understand and sym­pathise with his sufferings.

Wandering about the garden, a victim to despair, he is perceived by Reason from her high-built tower. She descends, and approach­ing him, asks the cause of his misery, tells him that Idleness did him but an ill turn when she admitted him to the garden, and counsels him to tear his mind away from the folly of love.

The Lover replies that he has made over his heart to the God of Love as his lord and master, who has locked and secured it. He then remembers that his master had counselled him to confide in a friend, and that he has one who is loyal and true of heart.

He seeks out his friend forthwith, and opens his grief to him.