Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/20

x The Lover turns towards the path of Much-Giving, the entry to which he finds guarded by a fair dame named Richesse, who disclaims his acquaintance, and forbids him entrance to her domain. At the same time that she draws an enticing picture of the delights and pleasures enjoyed by those who find their way thither, she warns him on the other hand that her votaries fall into the toils of Poverty, who in her turn introduces them to Hunger, of whom she draws a terrible picture. Hunger’s dwelling is described as being situated in the farthest region of Scotland. Ceres, the Goddess of Plenty, and Triptolemus, the God of Agriculture, never visit that inhospitable spot. Hunger is the servant of Poverty, and the mother of Theft.

Dismissed scornfully by Richesse, the Lover wanders about the garden, soliloquising on his resolution to be faithful to his vow.

The God of Love appears, and demands how he has been keeping his commandments. He confesses that he has been tempted to despair, but declares his repentance. His master pardons him, and desires that he will recapitulate the articles of his creed, both as to things forbidden and commanded.

The Lover recites his creed in a summary of ten lines to his master’s full satisfaction, who then questions his liegeman on the state of his mind, his hopes and fears, and asks where are the Rose and Fair-Welcome. The former, he