Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/54

Riches and poverty The route, he soon shall know it well
As I do, who in youth-tide fell
Therein. And you shall likewise learn
Its ways, if you have lust to turn8330
Your footsteps thither, seen that you
Command such wealth as may pursue
Unbounded Largess, but to me
That path is barred by Poverty.
My patrimony I dispersed;
And now, in heavy debt immersed,
Without one penny to restore
To creditors I filched of yore,
I best had hang or drown myself.
Quoth she: If you are bare of pelf,8340
Hither return no more.
Richesse
Alone can gain for you ingress,
But from her guidance, as I trow,
Much ill and little good doth grow;
In going will she use much care
To please you, but her pains will spare
To help you back, and if your way
You make therein, through night and day
You there must bide, until you be
Thrust thence by stern-hand Poverty,8350
Who oft on lovers brings distress.
Within remaineth Mad-Largess,
Who hath no thought except of play
And riot through the livelong day,
And scattereth coin around as she
Possessed thereof a granary.
No count she keepeth, doubting never
But what her wealth will dure for ever.