Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/32

4

A loyal heart. I counsel you

Truly and faithfully to do

All his commandments; for the wight

Who in his service finds delight

Shall ne’er repent him, though distress

Be his through Fortune’s fickleness.

And would you serve him as you ought,

Then must unendingly your thought

Be given to him, and folly great

Were yours if you should prove ingrate.

Moreover, Love your heart doth hold

In leash, and you were overbold

Should you forsake him.

Lend quick ear

To friendly counselling; forbear,

At least some little while, to go

Anigh the tower, and let none know

Your presence, or by sight or sound,

If you should dare to tread that ground,

Before the storm has died away

Which round your head of late made play.

Have special care you are not seen,

More often than you erst have been,

Beneath the walls or near the gate;

And if you are by chance or fate

Led thither, let no creature wot

You heed one bit Fair-Welcome’s lot.

But should you spy him from afar,

At crenelet or window bar,

Regard his form with eye discreet,

Though your heart die his glance to meet.