From Shame and Fear had I received,
And e’en o’er Danger had achieved
A triumph and been safe. All three
Past doubt had left me tranquilly,7650
Had not those reptiles raised their heads
From slumbering on their drowsy beds,
Whom this base wretch to help him called,
When he beheld Fair-Welcome palled
With fear, as Jealousy cried out
(The old crone makes a fearful rout)
That she was overcome with dread:
I stayed me not, but thenceward fled
In haste.
Forthwith was raised a tower,
Where lies Fair-Welcome ’neath their power
A prisoner. Friend, to thee I fly7661
For aid: O help me ere I die.
Then spake the friend, and sagely gave
Advice, with kindly voice and suave:
The Friend.
How to free Fair-Welcome
Dear friend, give not yourself to grief,
But let sweet love be still your chief
Delight, and let the God of Love
Your loyal service have, above
All else both night and day; be free
And frank with him whate’er may be;7670
For perjured word or thought unkind
From you would well-nigh wreck his mind,
Since he your homage hath received;
Truth’s self is he, and ne’er deceived
