Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/86

52

Beside the crystal fount he lay,

Gazing enrapt, the live-long day,

Enamoured of the shadow he

Saw in the fount so perfectly,

Until he sighed away his breath;

And lastly found thereby sweet death.

Now hearken while the tale I tell.

How on his heart Love’s vengeance fell.

When plain it was that he nowise

Could gain that thing which in his eyes

Alone seemed good, and when he knew

How hopeless all his longing grew

Of sweet fulfilment, and that ne’er

Could he in that he longed for share

And have his joyance, then he lost

In wrath his reason, and the frost

Of death came o’er him. Thus was heard

The prayer of that sweet nymph whose word

Of love he rudely scorned. O fair

And gentle ladies, be ye ware

By this example that your ears

Ye shut not hardily, nor tears

Despise of those who seek your love,

Lest ye with vain remorse should prove,

How God doth punish those who leave

Kind swains to die, or vainly grieve.

Assured the fair inscription writ

Above the fountain pointed it

Most plainly for the self-same one

Whereby Narcisse had been foredone,

My impulse was towards speedy flight,

Without one glance within the bright