Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/214

186

But solely for the pure delight

Of seeing you, if so we might,

And offering on our bended knees

Our bounden service; an’t you please

Take all we own and you shall be

Secure, through us, from treachery;

And, if it fain you, lady sweet,

To whom both deeds and words unmeet

Are strangers, we desire to ask

A boon that can but lightly task

Your kindness, ’tis that you allow

Fair-Welcome, who doth languish now

In durance, hither to descend

A pleasant hour with us to spend.

Or at the least, we pray you, deign

That he the Lover’s heart may fain

With some few words, for each one’s voice

The other’s spirit would rejoice

Past measure, and ’twould cost you nought.

Nay, by this grace, you will have bought

Fair-Welcome’s homage, and may do

With him whate’er seems good to you,

Torture, ill-treat him, hang or sell,

Or gain a friend who loves you well.

Behold his jewels at command,

A morse, and rings to deck your hand,

And if you’re kind to him, be sure,

Ere long he’ll give you a parure

Of diamonds; frank, free, and true

Of heart he’ll show himself to you,

Nor need you fear he e’er will chide,

For in his inmost heart doth hide