Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 3.pdf/58

36

Perched in the branches overhead,

And then, by amorous longing led,

Venus her dear companion pressed

With glowing kisses to her breast,

And taught him how to hunt the wood

In suchwise as to her seemed good.

EAR friend, when you with pack unleasht

Arouse some noble woodland beast,

Which hath nor wit nor will to light,

But forthwith takes to hasty flight,

Pursue it well and hardily;

But if some quarries fierce there be,

Who tusks or horns against you turn,

Engage you not in combat stern

And perilous, but show you slack

Towards all that fear not thy attack,

For ’gainst rude beasts of savage strain

Full oft is desperate courage vain,

And mortal proves the combat when

At bay they pit them against men.

Roebuck and goats, young stags and hinds,

And harmless game of lesser kinds,

Are such as I would have you chase,

With blithesome heart and gladsome face.