Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/94

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The Rosebud still

My heart desired: that seemed t o fill My being only; and the gain

Of that dear treasure all my pain

Had cased straightway, and given to me

New life, from grief and sorrow free.

For even to see it and inhale

Its fragrance made the bitter bale

Of life seem lighter, and though death

Drew near, I strove to catch its breath.

But even then beheld that Love

Another arrow raised above

My trembling body.

Simpleness

This second shaft was called, nor less

Of might it hath than Beauty; oft

Have men and maidens felt its soft

But potent stroke. All suddenly

The God, without once warning me,

This golden arrow nocked and sped,

With mighty twang, against my head

Its cruel barb, which through the eye

Pierced to my soul; and verily

I fear no man of woman born

Can e’er from out my breast that thorn

Pull forth, for though one might release

The shaft, yet must the barb unpeace

For ever give to me, and lo!

Therewith desire began to grow

Fiercer within me than before

To win the rosebud; more and more

Increased it as the more I felt

Love’s second shaft, till seemed to melt