Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/265

Rh

Foretime, in Helen’s days, broke out

Full many a hard-fought battle rout

For woman’s love, and many died

Who in that strife their valiance tried;

And who shall say how many more

Than those set down in ancient lore?

Not first was Helen, nor will she

Be last of those, unhappily,

Through whom have risen and will rise

Wars among men, whose hearts and eyes

Women have blinded, till away

They throw their lives; the latest day

Of earth shall see this selfsame thing,

That hath been since first broke the spring.

Regard dame Nature, and then hear

Her strength and wondrous power made clear

Through many examples which shall be

Clearly expounded presently.

HE bird which from the wood is lured,

Captured, and in gay cage immured,

Tended with gentle love and care,

And fed with choice and dainty fare,

With pleasant song our ear enchants,

But yet one thing doth lack, it pants

Once more to flit among the boughs

And branches which so well it knows

And where ’twould once more gladly be.

In vain you nurse it tenderly,