Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/19

Rh other evils, so that men deemed it needful to set over them some one to do justice and punish malefactors.

So they chose from among themselves a strong and sturdy peasant, whom they agreed to call their king, and who should be allowed to live by the labour of others, but who, in his turn, swore to defend them. Then the malefactors grew too strong for the king, and he had to appoint sergeants and bailiffs, and to impose taxes for their sustenance. Gold and silver was coined into money, and arms were forged.

Love was once free, but now women sell themselves for gold. The friend concludes by counselling the Lover never to oppose a woman’s will if he would please her, for women believe that they know everything by nature, as surely as a cat knows how to catch mice without in­struction or teaching. When the friend has finished his discourse, Sweet-Speech and Sweet-Thought reappear, but alas! they are un­accompanied by Sweet-Looks.

The Lover takes leave of his friend, and wanders awhile in the garden. But he is cast down by the advice given him by his friend, that he shall keep clear of the castle. He bends his steps towards it, however, in the hope of delivering Fair-Welcome. If he should find its walls no stronger than a well-baked cake he would attack it. But for the present he thinks it advisable to keep at a safe distance.