Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/41

My time in glossing this, past doubt
Or question doth the sense stand out.

Words cost little ’Twere well these gaolers then to ply
With prayers; he little risks thereby7950
Who spends his words, e’en though they be
Cast back with scorn and contumely;
And if they’re crowned with good success.
They pave the path to happiness.
One of two things ’tis plain must hap,
Either success one’s prayers will cap,
Or of their object must they fail;
And if ’tis so, small cause to wail
A lover hath, for all the cost
Is but that he his time hath lost.7960
Nor need one fear lest he hath made
The gaolers wroth because he prayed
Their kindness; that will rather please
Their dignity when they at ease
Shall muse thereon. Rude boors aye feel
Strange satisfaction when appeal
Is made to them; within themselves
They think what most important elves
They needs must be—how grand! how great!
That thus are folk importunate7970
For their goodwill.
They must refuse,
Or grant your prayer, or make excuse.
If all goes well, you then succeed;
If ill, why then you do but need
Comfort to take, and try again.
If, failing, you conceal your pain,