Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/88

54

When that the sun, which searcheth all

the things that live on earth, lets fall

His rays within this fount we see

An hundred colours gorgeously

Shine forth within the water bright,

Vermilion, azure, silvery white,

And richest gold. Such virtuous power

These crystals have that every flower

And tree within this pleasaunce seen,

Reflection finds in their sweet sheen;

How this doth hap most clearly I

Will by example testify.

E’en as a mirror casteth back

Each thing that fronts it, nor doth lack

In working thus to give amain

The form and colour once again,

So every crystal facet here

Reflects each detail sharp and clear

Of all that in this garden lies:

For whosoever casts his eyes

Thereon, one-half the garden sees,

And if to turn, his fancy please,

The other half is then revealed.

Nor are the smallest objects sealed

Or darkly hid, but all appear

within those crystals clear.

Mirrored within this perilous place,

Narcissus loved too well his face

And lustrous eyes, with foolish pride,

Thence came his fall, and thence he died.

Alas! for him who doth admire

Himself herein—for love’s desire