Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 3.pdf/27

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And for your proffer, more than kind,

But nowise could I bring my mind

To ask for further gift than you

Have given already, which in my view

Exceeds all Alexander’s gold.

I raised my hand in hope to hold

At last that lovely Rose that I

Had craved so long and ardently,

Deeming the converse sweet and soft

That had betwixt us passed so oft,

And that fond friendship, kind and dear,

Whereby our hearts were drawn so near,

Were tokens that my end was gained,

Alas! false hope, my heart that fained.

LAS! fools’ projects oft fall short!

Of fate I seemed the toy and sport,

For even as I raised my hand,

Foul Danger in the path did stand.

The villain may a wolf devour!

Hid in an angle, near the flower,

He stood, and, watching us, each word

Set down that he betwixt us heard,

And then with rage and fury yelled,

The while his club aloft he held: