Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/44

16

An honourable man doth ne’er

A woman leave to crave a share

In his affections; doth he wait

For that, his self-esteem’s too great.

But whosoe’er would fain attack

A damsel’s heart, although no lack

He finds at first of haughty scorn

(Which needs must patiently be borne),

If only he will wisely steer

His bark, the rocks and sands he’ll clear

At last.

From this advice a page

You well may take if you engage

With watch-dogs; but attempt them not

If they ill-humoured be or hot

With anger.

When they’re light of heart

Approach them, but if they should smart

’Neath grievance, keep away, unless

You choose to brave the bitterness

They feel if Jealousy perchance

Mistreat them to despite your chance.

But if you with consummate art

Can get these tiresome folk apart,

Safe from intrusion of all men,

Fair-Welcome might break prison then,

Where he, in suffering drear, for you,

Lies now, close kept as hawk in mew,

And aid you with Fair-Seeming’s power,

As well he knows to do; your hour

Will then be ripe to pluck the Rose.

And if rude Danger should oppose