Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/197

Rh

From one whose dress is spoiled by flaws.

But God esteemeth not two straws

The word of one who saith that he

Hath left the world, yet luxury

Doth wallow in. The hypocrite

Who cries that he the world hath quit,

And yet indulgeth all he can

The flesh, like any world-wise man.

Nor aught of pleasure doth refuse;

Should we his cant and lies excuse?

Resembleth he the dog who fain

Unto his vomit turns again.

But unto you I dare not lie;

Though had I not unerringly

Perceived that you saw clearly through

My falsity, I straight should you

Have plied with cozenage, for I ne’er,

Seeing a chance, a victim spare.

I know my role, and this I tell,

A traitor am I, guard you well.

The God bestowed on this strange tale

A smile, nor did the barons fail

To laugh, and cried: A subtle youth,

And one in whom to trust, forsooth!

False-Seeming, then said Love, I pray,

Since thou so great apart shalt play

Within my court, for there shalt thou

Be king of ribalds, tell me now,

Wilt thou to me be loyal and true?