Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/105

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And verily, ’tis rarely seen

With those who lovers long have been

Ere wedlock joined them, that doth last

Fond nuptial love, for in the past

The lover would avow him for

The lady’s bounden servitor,

But after marriage doth declare

His lordship, which right hard to bear

She finds from him who late did waive

All right and vowed himself her slave.

Her slave ?

Past doubt.

And prithee why ?

Because he willingly would fly

At her command; if she but said:

Dear friend, my purse; away he sped,

Nothing could vex him, nought could tire,

To satisfy her least desire;

To speak, indeed, were scarce worth while,

He read each frown, and knew each smile,

His only thought was to obey

Her every wish in every way.

But when they’re once by wedlock tied.

This courtesy is cast aside,