Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/67

Rh

Not beauty only in the form

Of her towards whom his heart-strings warm,

But will those virtues rather prize

Which live when outward beauty dies;

A mind enlightened with fair store

Of art and science, and the lore

That housewives need; for those who know

The worth of wit will count the show

Of outward beauty for a thing

Unstable, frail, and perishing

As flowerets that bedeck the lawn,

Faded at eve, though blown at dawn.

Fairer a woman’s face, alas!

More quickly doth her beauty pass.

But fine intelligence and wit

Maketh a woman helpmeet fit

For man in suchwise, that life’s end

Will find her still the cherished friend

Of him who loved her youth. A spouse

Courteous and gentle should arouse

A woman’s tender love, and she.

Mingling goodwill with courtesy,

Will see her love returned.

If one

Should ask if much I set upon

The power or worth of canzonettes,

Ballads, and songs, and rhymed motets,

A mistress’ heart to captivate,

I needs must say, dear friend, that prate

Is much less worth than gifts, but yet

Such things some grateful praise beget.

More lightly women’s hearts are thrilled

To see a good-sized purse well filled