Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/30

xxvi prayer that he may be permitted to kiss it, greatly fearing what Chastity may say thereto. Then Venus appears, and, reproaching Fair-Welcome for his hard-heartedness, desires that at least he will permit the Lover to kiss the Rose.

Overcome by the perfume of the torch borne by Venus, Fair-Welcome accords the longed-for boon. But he is straightway set upon by Shame and Evil-Tongue, the latter of whom awakes Jealousy, who, leaping to her feet, rates Fair-Welcome roundly.

Jealousy continues her attack upon Fair­-Welcome, and a colloquy ensues between her and Shame. Lastly, Fear intervenes, and pro­poses to Shame that they shall, in company, seek out Danger and reproach him for the negligence he has displayed in keeping guard over the Rose.

They accordingly proceed together to the haunt of Danger, and successively express to him their surprise and displeasure that he had not better understood his duty. Danger rouses him­self from his lair, brandishes his club, and vows vengeance against all who shall in future dare to invade the precincts of which he is the guardian.

Jealousy builds a high tower, with intent to confine Fair-Welcome as a prisoner therein. The form and fashion of the tower, and the