Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/199

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So be it, thy desire fulfil.

And so the rascal held his place.

He had a very traitor’s face,

Without, pure white, within, black hell:

Before Love on his knees he fell

And worshipped him with plenteous thanks.

Cried Love then, looking round his ranks:

Forward at once! let every man

Arm him forthwith as best he can.

Then made him ready for the fight

Each one, with arms and armour dight.

And forth they sallied one and all,

Loud shouting, towards the castle wall,

Right manfully resolved that they

Would dearly sell their lives that day,

Or from the battlements would cry

In token of glad victory.

Then in four battles they divide,

Of which each marcheth towards the side

To it assigned, and thus the gates

Assail they, though before each waits

A stalwart guard prepared to fight

Nor yield to aught save death’s dark night;

Not weakly, sick, or slothful they,

But strong, and eager for the fray.