Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/269

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For ’twixt the twain can never be

Treaty of peace and amity.

Or if a new-foaled colt you rear,

So that he ne’er beholds a mare

Till he becomes a full-grown steed

For bit and saddle good at need;

A jennet comes within his sight,

At once he neighs with proud delight,

And speedeth madly o’er the field,

Unless he needs to rein must yield.

Not only black steed seeks a black,

But brown, or grey as soon will back,

Or roan, or any other strain,

Unless he’s held by bridle-rein.

He troubles not to spy around,

But gaily takes them as they’re found,

And in succession serves them all,

If but the chance to him befall.

So with a little chestnut mare,

Unless she be restrained with care,

She’ll seek brown, grey, and black in turns

E’en as desire within her burns;

The first one that her fancy takes,

Husband of him she straightway makes.

And what of horse and mare, I say,

Whether black, brown, or roan, or grey,

Is likewise true of bull and cow,

And eke of ram and ewe, I trow,

For rest assured that each of these

Of either sex make free to please

And suit themselves, as e’en they may,

With spouse at will from day to day.