Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/253

Rh

With hope that all the passers by

Its mignon form and turn may spy.

In case she doth a mantle wear,

She should upon her shoulders bear

It so, that it but little hides

The contour of her shapely sides.

And also that she better may

Her body’s shape, and clothes, display,

(Which neither thick nor thin should be,

But pearled, and broidered gallantly

With silver, and an alms-purse tied,

In view of all, against her side,)

Her mantle upwards towards her head

Should she with straightened arms outspread,

Whether the way be foul or clean,

After the fashion she has seen

A peacock spread his tail; she may

So sport the mantle, whether grey

Or green it chance to be, that thus

She shows her figure amorous

To all the gallants that she meets

As sails she through the crowded streets.

Should Nature have forgot to trace

The line of beauty in her face,

Her golden locks she will, if wise,

Display to dazzle suitors’ eyes

In comely plaits about her neck.

Nothing doth women better deck

And crown, than glory of the hair.

Women should imitate with care