Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 3.pdf/54

32

Dragging them thither by the tail,

That thus all clue and trace might fail

Of whither went they; then you showed

To all the world how little glowed

Of daring in your faint-heart breast,

A coward base you stood confessed

Thenceforth, and since that day you nought

Of knowledge in the field have bought

Of war, except to run away

Whene’er you see the blade-steel grey;

Now shall you dearly suffer for

Your rashness, venturing thus on war.

A precious sword-blade Surety bare.

Tempered with diligence and care;

Her shield, hight Peace, was bordered round

With good accord, and judgment sound.

At Fear she struck as fain would she

Destroy her, but she suddenly

Behind her shield her body hid,

And when the sword-stroke fell, it slid

From off the targe, and harmless lay

Deep buried in earth’s senseless clay.

Then Fear did unto Surety deal

A blow, that made her senses reel,

And little lacked it of that she

Had killed outright her enemy.

Both shield and sword from out her hands

Are dashed—defenceless there she stands.