Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/75

Rh

Proud victory over many a knight

By virtue’s power and strong-armed might.

Franchise stood next, on Largesse’ right,

Of skin as delicate, pure, and white

As hawthorn bloom or June-tide rose,

Not of the Orleans twist her nose,

But well formed, long and straight; her brow

Bore eyebrows arched like Cupid’s bow,

O’er laughing eyes; her long locks blond,

Her mien as simple, sweet and fond

As turtle-dove; her tender heart

Rejoiced in joy, or bore its part

With others’ sadness, and was fain

To keep her lips when speech woke pain.

So piteous was she and so true,

She ne’er would suffer one to rue

His life for love of her, nay more,

Such sympathy towards all she bore,

That when she saw some man who sighed

For her, she’d hasten to his side,

To save his soul from misery dire.

Of finest woof was her attire,

And warrant I that never lass

Betwixt this place and far Arras

Ware daintier raiment. It was sewed

And broidered in such skilful mode.

That doubt I much could seam or point

Have been more skilfully adjoint.

Grateful and charming to the eye,

Was Franchise’ modest bravery;