Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/78

44

But gladness, joy, and gleesome play,

And only mirth and laughter sought,

Without one care or afterthought.

A lover had she, like in age

To her sweet self, and no more sage

Than she. The simple pair would kiss

From time to time, and nought amiss

They deemed it all the dance should see

When they embraced as lovingly

As cooing turtle-doves. The boy,

E’en as the girl, was nowise coy,

But was in artlessness for her

A fitting mate I dare aver.

Thus merrily this jovial throng

Disported them with dance and song,

And many another knight and dame,

Of gracious mien and goodly fame,

Soon joined them to the light-heart crew,

While through the air gay laughter flew.

HEN dance and dancers I had seen

To heart’s content, across the green

I turned to wander at mine ease

Beneath the burgeoning mulberry trees.