Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/46

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Of unfeigned hate, and they defend

The castle vigorously, then lend

An ear to Prudence and give in,

With hope that later you may win

The fort; crave pardon and await

Till those three spies that militate

Against you disappear, and leave

Fair-Welcome with you, free to weave

New plans and schemes.

A cheery face

Should you assume, endued with grace

And grave demeanour.

Heed the while

Fair-Welcome; if he seem to smile,

Smile too; or if you note his mien

For solemn, then be solemn seen

Likewise; if he a guileless air

Affect, your countenance should wear

The same sweet innocence—each way

Or mood he shows throughout the day

’Tis yours to counterfeit; if bright

His visage be, show then a light

And merry heart; if he be sad,

Then look as though some grievance had

Fast hold on you; let that thing fire

Your heart whereto he hath desire;

And if some other thing he blame,

Declare abhorrence of the same

With vigour; or if he should praise

Or this or that, cease not to raise

Your voice in laud thereof. Thus do,

And throughly will he trust in you.