Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/134

106

HEN Love thus clearly saw that I

Preserved towards him my loyalty,

(A loyalty not lightly worn,

For by a solemn oath ’twas sworn),

He came, smiled at my grief, and said,

His soft hand laid upon my head:

Hast thou then followed my command?

And in what case dost thou now stand

Towards that fair Rose that caused thy heart

To writhe beneath love’s bitter smart?

Put of a truth all this he knew,

For Gods divine whate’er men do.

Quoth he: These hests I lay alone

On faithful lovers, and on none

Besides, hast thou all utterly

Pursued them? Frankly answer me.

I know not, sire—but this I say,

Ne’er wittingly I’ve gone astray.