Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/76

42

For nothing ever suits so well

As simple frock for demoiselle,

And that in which Franchise was dight,

Linen of pure and spotless white,

By dyes unstained, did well express

The maiden’s inward loveliness.

Beside Franchise a stripling stood,

Of noble port and lustihood,

But how he named him knew I not,

Yet one so fair of mien I wot,

And gaily clad as bird in spring,

Were well the son of Windsor’s king.

ND next stood gracious Courtesy,

Who ne’er midst men can fail to be

Welcome: strangers to her are pride

And folly. Straightway to her side

She summoned me with kindly call

To join the gladsome dance withal.

Frank-eyed she was, and no deal shy

Or timid, but most graciously

Spake forth to me in friendly wise,

With pleasant words and quaint replies,

Wherein one found no poison lurk.

Her form was nature’s perfect work,

And e’en as stars like candles mean

Beside the moon’s bright rays are seen,