Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/79

Rh

Laurels, lithe hazels, and dark pines.

Throughout the garden’s far confines.

And when the swaying dance was ended,

And, arms entwined, the partners wended

To seek soft couches ’neath the shade

That long lawn-kissing branches made,

Lord God! such jolly lives they led

As all must envy, by my head,

Who are not fools; for nought I ween

Is better than with one dear queen

To pass soft hours in tender love—

What more gives paradise above?

But straightway from the dance I went,

And o’er the lawn my footsteps bent

As fancy led, when suddenly

The God of Love, who followed me,

Signed to Sweet-Looks to bring his bow,

And shafts that ’longed thereto, and lo!

Without a word he claimed from him

The weapon fair, choosing the trim

And beauteous arrows from the ten

He held to serve his use, and then

Picked out the mighty God from thence

One of swift flight and great potence,

And, bow in hand, pursued me straight

Unseen; O God! how nearly fate

O’ertook me then.

But unaware

Of Love’s intent I wandered where

Green alleys led, the while that he,

Whereso I sped, still followed me.