Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/30

2

Speak on.

And straightway every word

I told him, as you erst have heard;

It needs not to retread that sod.

Exclaimed he: By the Body of God!

Rude Danger you have clean dismissed,

And the sweet Rosebud safely kissed,

And now Fair-Welcome’s prisonment

A dagger through your heart hath sent!

If he account him yours so far

As win for you in love’s sweet war

A kiss, no gaol will hold his feet.

Unless you have desire to cheat

Yourself of good success, let cheer

Wake in your face, and cast forth fear;

Fair-Welcome will, for your dear sake,

Whate’er it cost, the dungeon break,

Wherein for love of you he lies.

Alas! his cruel enemies

Are strong; but saving Evil-Tongue,

Who vile suspicion raised among

His minions, none had noticed me

Approach the longed-for Rosebud tree.

Had not that villain raised alarm,

Believe I well that little harm