Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/63

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Figures of beauteous birds enwrought

In golden tissue: quaint past thought

The slashings were with which ’twas slit

And puffed in every part of it

For fashion’s sake, and gaily decked

With jewels; nought of cost he recked.

About his shapely legs and feet

Were boots carved curiously. Oh sweet

The roses were that well bested,

For crown, his goodly golden head,

There set by gentle hands of her

Who was his love and worshipper.

And would ye wot who this might be

Whose love enthralled him? soothfastly,

’Twas Gladness who so blithely sang.

When she but seven years knew, Love flang

His net around her, and I ween

Since then Mirth’s sweetheart had she been.

Then straightway did the pair enlace

Their hands, and heart to heart embrace,

Joining in gladsome dance. Most fair

Did Gladness look as stood they there.

Like to a rose but newly blown

Which nought of wind or storm hath known.

So tender was her flesh, that torn

’Twould be by frailest sapful thorn.

Beneath her forehead, void of frown,

Were eyebrows arched, of sunny brown,

And smiles would wreathe her eyes before

Her mouth the rippling laughter bore,

And ever and anon the bliss

Her lips invited