Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/124

Rh

Ah! how my spirit with delight

O’erflowed at such sweet sound and sight.

But one thing that my friend had said

Lay on my heart like weight of lead,

Which was, that I should go not near

The tower accursed, but keep me clear

Of all the roads that led thereto,

A thing my will rebelled to do.

Then wandering heedless I forsook

The right-hand path, and straightway took

The left, in hope the shortest road

To find, for in my soul abode

Earnest desire the goal to gain,

Of danger careless, and of pain

Unmindful, could I only get

Thither ere one more strong should let

Or hinder my attempt to free

Fair-Welcome, friend most dear to me.

Soon as I see the stronghold break

Before me like a baked-up cake,

And the strong gates wide open fly,

Then none shall stay my valiancy.

And may the devil be within

My belly if I fail to win

The fortress; for I promise you

If once I get within near view

Thereof, Fair-Welcome shall its bounds

O’erleap, I wage a million pounds.

But from the fort itself I’ll stay,

For prudence’ sake, some little way.