Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/38

Thuswise have lovers often done,
And thereby many a conflict won
Beneath Love’s banner, knowing well
O’er women’s hearts to cast a spell7860
In suchwise, that they tenderly
Loosen the bonds they hold them by.

Tears sometimes useful But many a caitiff wretch hath shown
Moist eyes whose heart hath never known
True love, and damsels oft have fared
But ill, by treacherous weeping snared.

E’en gaolers’ hearts may sometimes be
Softened by tears, unless they see
They are but false, for they’ll resent
It rudely if a trick they scent;7870
Then may you vainly beg and pray,
Fast closed you’ll find each entry way.
But if you fail to come to speech
Through those who watch, you yet may reach
Your object through a trusty friend,
Or otherwise effect your end
By means of an impassioned letter,
But doing so ’tis vastly better
To set thereon a feignèd name,
Call her, Fair sir, or him, Sweet dame,7880
With hope more fully to conceal
The secrets hid beneath the seal.
For many a rascal thief hath read
A lover’s letters, and ill sped
The plot thereby, all labour lost
And hopes and aspirations crossed.