Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/277

Rh

Awhile, she doth but fan the fire

Of anxious unfulfilled desire,

The game of love, I scarce need say.

But winneth zest by short delay.

And little joy the heart doth reap

From pleasure it may win good cheap.

But when she comes within the house

And finds reception amorous,

She then should vow, with signs of fear,

How that her jealous spouse anear

Hath watched her, and she dreads to think

What bitter draught she needs must drink,

So soon as she again doth come

Beneath his tyrant hand at home.

But howsoe’er she plain and sigh,

Whether she speak the truth or lie,

A parlous fear should she dissemble,

And, dreading nought, seem all atremble,

For this will much the joy enhance

Betwixt them of soft dalliance.

But if to him she cannot fare

Nor bid him to her home doth dare,

So close a watch her jealous spouse

Maintains both in and out the house,

To free her she must cause to wink

His wakeful eyes ’neath well-spiced drink,

And if he fail to nod ’neath wine,

Herbs should she with his drink combine,

Or mix with food (but in such wise

That nought of danger thence arise),

And then shall he so soundly sleep

As neither watch nor ward to keep,