Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/82

54

Of marriage, howsoever true

Are those who bind themselves thereto;

For not alone had she in books

Studied, but all the closest nooks

Of woman’s heart explored, and she

Love’s throes had suffered bitterly.

Therefore she begged they might atwain,

Though dying each for each, remain,

Bound by no bonds but those of love,

Whose gentle ties are strong above

All marriage laws, yet frank and free

Leave lovers—in sweet amity—

To follow learning, and she said,

Moreover, that long absence bred

’Twixt lovers unexpressed delight,

Most poignant when they’re lost to sight.

But Peter, as himself hath writ

In burning letters, so was smit

With passion, that nought else would serve

Till Heloïse he drew to swerve

From her sage counsel, and thence fell

On him mischance most dire to tell;

For little more their course was run

Ere she at Argenteuil as nun

Was close immured, while he was reft

Of manhood by his foes, who deft

As cruel were in his despite,

Seizing him as he lay one night

At Paris.

After this mischance

Saint Denis, patron saint of France,