Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/57

Rh

The merle and mavis seemed to shake

The leaves in cadence, while each brake

With small fowl rang, as they would try

Their throats in choral rivalry.

’Twould seem as all and each of these

Sweet birds sang joyance to the breeze.

And then, their hearts disburdened, flew

To keep some loving rendezvous.

The sweet melodious harmony

That winged its way from tree to tree.

With such soft symphony did fall

As concert ’twere celestial.

For never yet hath mortal ear

Been tuned such heavenlike songs to hear.

And past all thought it seemed that earth

Could give such glorious music birth.

Then all at once it broke on me

I heard the syrens of the sea.

For they alone I trow can bring

To ears of men such carolling.

I vow that when beneath the shade

The birds such glorious music made.

My spirit and soul were like to melt

And fail with that delight I felt.

For ne’er ere this, my whole life through.

Did joy so unalloyed bedew

My every sense, and ecstasy

Ran through the very soul of me.

Bethought I then what untold debt

I owed Dame Idleness, who set

My feet in this surpassing place,

For ’twas alone through her good grace

And kindliness I entrance gained

To this fair haunt wherein Mirth reigned