Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/115

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To take her wrath in evil part,

Or anywise to change his heart

Towards her; even though she catch

Her nails within his cheek and scratch

His face till blood flow down, he should

Make no reply except with good

And kindly loving words, and say

He counted it a perfect way

Of life if only he were sure

Her love for him would aye endure,

And sooner ’neath her hand would die

Than live from her sweet company

Divorced. But if ’tis he begins

The storm, and from her haply wins

Return of wrath and violence,

’Twere well, to cover the offence,

That he should lead her on to play

The game of love, ere yet away

He goes from her, especially

If cursed with poverty he be;

For lacking gold he runs the chance

She oust him from the merry dance

Of love, unless he humble him

Before her.

Poor men fain must swim

Which way a mistress wills, nor show

A spark of wrath, howe’er things go,

The while that rich men not a bean

Need take to heart disdainful mien,

For insult is a luxury

Of wealthy men.

But if so be

A gallant seeketh to beguile

A second fair, yet keep the while