Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/272

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To talk with such an one on love,

If lies or truth his tongue should move

And whether he lay or churchman were,

Or regular or secular,

Cinctured with girdle grey or red,

Or hood or hat bedecked his head,

He should right soon declare his flame,

Whether in me he saw the same

To burn, or only deemed a whim

I had myself to yield to him.

Nature for ever busies her.

Desire in all men’s hearts to stir,

Therefore, dear son, should we be slow

Venus and Mars to blame, I trow.

And though the Gods in mockery laughed

To see the pair by Vulcan’s craft

Ensnared, yet many a one full fain

Had been, could he the place have ta’en

Of Mars, in Venus’ fond embrace,

While Vulcan, mad with his disgrace,

Two thousand marks had rather given

Than cuckold stand before high heaven.

The pair he thus exposed to shame,

Reckless of scorn henceforth became,

And boldly practised that which they

Strove erst to hide from light of day,

Shame and decorum cast aside.

And then the Gods told far and wide

The tale, till all through heaven ’twas known,

From mouth to mouth mid laughter thrown.

And Vulcan stormed with rage to think

The draught he brewed he needs must drink,