Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/80

46

No thought had I to stay or rest,

But roved north, south, and east and west,

Desiring leisurely to view

The close, and all that ’longed thereto.

I noted that from side to side

The garden was nigh broad as wide,

And every angle duly squared.

The careful planter had not spared

To set of every kind of tree

That beareth fruit some two or three.

Or more perchance, except some few

Of evil sort. Among them grew

Pomegranates filled with seeds and thick

Of skin, most wholesome for the sick;

Strange nut trees, which in season bore

Rich fragrant nutmegs, good for store,

And nowise cursed with nauseous taste,

But savouring well. Near by were placed

Almonds and gillyflower cloves,

Brought hither from hot Ind’s far groves,

Dates, figs, and liquorice which deals

Contentment while misease it heals,

And wholesome aniseed’s sweet spice,

And much-prized grains of paradise,

Nor must rare cinnamon be forgot,

Nor zedoary, which I wot

At end of great repasts men eat

In hope ’twill bring digestion meet.

Moreover in this garden rare

Grew many a tree familiar.

As cherry, pear and knotted quince,

’Neath which a tender tooth will wince.