Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/288

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To see his face; but time must he

outwitted Choose when his foe, Dame Jealousy,

Goes hence, for greatly should I fear

Mishap if she should find him here,

And sorely dread that she may lack

Some thing or other, and turn back,

Though forth she pass, for ofttimes she

Returns all unexpectedly;

Then straight, with temper more than warm,

About my head she’d raise a storm.

Such hatred in her breast doth burn

Against me, that should she return

By chance, and find the lover here.

Though of all blame I might be clear.

My blood, past doubt by her, were shed.

And I alive dismemberèd.

Then the Duenna readily:

Nay, leave the care thereof to me;

Although that he were in the house.

With Jealousy the despitous.

So help me God and St. Remy,

More easily an ant’s egg she

Should find within a truss of hay,

Than one I hide from light of day

Herein, for every nook I know

Where I may fugitives bestow.