Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 3.pdf/60

38 For in his rage, the angry beast

Turned on the hunter, and ne’er ceased

His fury till his tusks had rent

Adonis’ thigh, whose life was shent.

Fair sirs, what thing soe’er may be,

From this example learn may ye.

That those who sweethearts’ words despise

Approve themselves aught else but wise,

For well behoveth it, their rede

As words of Holy Writ to heed.

Swear they that love for you they foster?

Believe them like the paternoster.

To credit them ne’er hesitate,

But to dame Reason show the gate.

Nay, though an oath on crucifix

She sware to you—despise her tricks—

For had Adonis but believed

His love, much longer had he lived.

When they together, little coy,

Had spent long hours in loving joy,

To Cythera once more they made

Their way. Then ere yet rearrayed

Was Venus, forth the heralds tell

From point to end how all befell.

Cried Venus: Ne’er shall Jealousy

A castle keep ’gainst Love and me,

The guardians will I burn with fire,

Unless both keys and fort entire

They yield, or soon my torch and bow

Will men account mere sticks, I trow.