Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/106

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The wheel is turned, and he who late

Before her will would fall prostrate

Doth now command, as though he might

From her claim service as of right,

Holds her in check, and makes her feel

That she from him hath no appeal;

She, who but yesterday he named

His mistress, and was nought ashamed

To serve, must now serve him, alas!

And many a rude experience pass.

Ah, then she plains her evil case,

Seeing the husband doth displace

The lover, and her closest friend

To friendship puts a bitter end

By contrariety; now no more

He worships her as heretofore.

But dead is joyousness, she dare

Scarce laugh so ’whelmed is she with care.

Nor knows she where to turn for aid

When on her neck he looks, afraid

Lest, as erewhile he ne’er took heed

Thereof, he now some ill may speed.

Obedience is her only choice,

For if in plaint she raise her voice,

Woe worth the day! it wakes his rage,

With threats wild war on her to wage.

My friend, the earliest men were free

From bondage, yoke, and slavery,

And peaceably they shared their good

In perfect love and brotherhood.

Nor had they freedom’s joyance sold

For Araby’s or Frisia’s gold;