Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/38

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Thuswise have lovers often done,

And thereby many a conflict won

Beneath Love’s banner, knowing well

O’er women’s hearts to cast a spell

In suchwise, that they tenderly

Loosen the bonds they hold them by.

But many a caitiff wretch hath shown

Moist eyes whose heart hath never known

True love, and damsels oft have fared

But ill, by treacherous weeping snared.

E’en gaolers’ hearts may sometimes be

Softened by tears, unless they see

They are but false, for they’ll resent

It rudely if a trick they scent;

Then may you vainly beg and pray,

Fast closed you’ll find each entry way.

But if you fail to come to speech

Through those who watch, you yet may reach

Your object through a trusty friend,

Or otherwise effect your end

By means of an impassioned letter,

But doing so ’tis vastly better

To set thereon a feignèd name,

Call her, Fair sir, or him, Sweet dame,

With hope more fully to conceal

The secrets hid beneath the seal.

For many a rascal thief hath read

A lover’s letters, and ill sped

The plot thereby, all labour lost

And hopes and aspirations crossed.