Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 3.pdf/83

Rh

The man who trusts a woman ’a lost,

Peace of his life will be the cost.

Know you what such an one doth do?

He binds his arms, and shutteth to

His mouth, for if he dare to scold

Her foolish ways, or maketh bold

To raise his arm in chastisement

’Gainst her but once, forthwith were spent

Her fury on him, and if he

Deserveth death, straightway will she

Unto the handling of the grim

Relentless judge deliver him.

Or through assassin’s hand will bring

His death to pass, by blade or string.

UT if some fool repose his head,

Pillowed beside his wife in bed,

Where scarce he dares to hope for sleep,

Since of some crime he fears to reap

Ill consequence or death if he

By evil chance betrayed should be,

And therefore wallows, turns, and sighs,

In vain attempt to close his eyes,