The Friend.
Speak on.
The Lover.
And straightway every word
I told him, as you erst have heard;
It needs not to retread that sod.
The Friend.
A friend’s advice
Exclaimed he: By the Body of God!
Rude Danger you have clean dismissed,
And the sweet Rosebud safely kissed,
And now Fair-Welcome’s prisonment
A dagger through your heart hath sent!7630
If he account him yours so far
As win for you in love’s sweet war
A kiss, no gaol will hold his feet.
Unless you have desire to cheat
Yourself of good success, let cheer
Wake in your face, and cast forth fear;
Fair-Welcome will, for your dear sake,
Whate’er it cost, the dungeon break,
Wherein for love of you he lies.
The Lover.
Alas! his cruel enemies7640
Are strong; but saving Evil-Tongue,
Who vile suspicion raised among
His minions, none had noticed me
Approach the longed-for Rosebud tree.
Had not that villain raised alarm,
Believe I well that little harm
