Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/24

xiv False-Seeming pursues his invective against the friars, and denounces the book put forth by the Franciscans (whom he stigmatises as Anti-Christ) under the name of the Gospel of the Holy Ghost. When he has brought his harangue to an end, Love divides his host into four battles, which are appointed to attack the four gates of the castle.

False-Seeming and Constrained-Abstinence,in the habits of a Friar and a Beguine, approach the tower, and meet with Evil-Tongue.

The pair salute Evil-Tongue, and demand of him a lodging and food, promising him a fair discourse or sermon in return for his hospitality. He receives the pretended pilgrims, courteously assuring them that his house is theirs, and that he shall be pleased to hear what they have to say.

Dame Abstinence holds forth to Evil-Tongue on the wickedness of evil-speaking, lying, and slandering, and tells him that, unless he repents, he will certainly go to hell. He replies that she is a liar, that the Lover had kissed the Rose, and that he will blow his trumpet and let all the world hear of it.

False-Seeming takes up the word, and assures Evil-Tongue that notwithstanding all he may do the Lover will secure the Rose. Overcome by the the exhortations of False-Seeming, Evil-Tongue declares himself penitent, and agrees to make his confession.