Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/274

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For knows she all the while that he

Thereto entends not seriously.

Then in her turn will she, with mind

More closely round his heart to wind

Her toils, pretend some other is

More suited to her taste, ywis,

And fain of him would she be quit,

Exclaiming: ’Tis but right and fit,

Since I am cuckolded by you,

That our old love were broken through.

Is it surprising if I wish

We both should eat from out one dish?

And then shall he be vexed above

All measure, if so be he love

Her fondly, reft his chief delight;

For no man feels love’s flame burn bright

Within his breast, but’s racked with dread,

Lest horns, perchance, adorn his head.

Then, as if some wild beast gave chase,

The chambermaid, with fear-struck face,

Runs in, and cries: Alas! we’re lost,

The master hath this moment crossed

The fore-court! When the damsel hears

This cry, her face wild terror wears,

While she her gallant thrusteth in

To some dark cupboard, chest, or bin,

Whence, when the proper time arrive,

She lets him out, more dead than ’live.

And he, who anxiously doth wait

Until she comes to liberate

Him once again, by dire despair

And fear is torn while crouching there.