Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/127

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And wandering stroll ’neath shady groves

And gardens, where they tell their loves,

Gaily attired as popinjays,

And leisure-footed wend their ways

Towards dulcet baths right well prepared

For soft delight, and having shared

This joyance, then hard by are found

Luxurious chambers, where they, crowned

With flower-twined chaplets, idly lie

Within Mad-Largess’ hostelry,

Where they at every pore are bled,

And long ’tis ere their cure is sped.

Right dearly do they pay for what

Their host affordeth them; so hot

And ruthless his rapacity,

That all their goods and lands must be

To him made o’er.

I lead men in

That they a joyous time may win.

But Poverty doth drive them thence,

Naked and shivering, reft of pence.

I guard the entry, she the gate

Of exit: men of all estate

Accept I, ignorant and wise

May enter, but when they arise

To travel forth, they’re paupers. Yet

I will not say but they may get

Permission to return (but this

No small or light won favour is)

If they with good provision come,

To make with me once more their home,

Nor that I would not many a time

Receive them till they had no dime

VOL. II.