Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/64

The pains to force it, or the rud
Rich mulberries which fair Thisbe’s blood
Distained: and if perchance you are
Compelled to buy them, say from far
Your pains have brought them, though they come
From nearest market; mingle some
Sweet flowers with fruits, fair roses pink
And white, and violets, and pervinke8640
Of sapphire hue, and other flowers
That gladden spring and summer hours.

Gifts more than words A dainty gift will often reach
Rough hearts and modify rude speech.
And if perchance some ill men know
Concerning you, they’ll be more slow
To blurt it forth. Oft gifts have made
Heroes of those who in the shade
Had lain without them. Delicate meats
And wines have often won fat seats8650
For prebendaries. How men live
Matters but little if they give
Freely, for oft a handsome gift
Hath had the power to fill a rift
In honesty or virtue, and
While praise the giver gains, a band
’Twill put on the receiver, who
His freedom thereby sells to you,
And soul and body puts to price,
Drawn on thereto by avarice.8660
With what word shall I finish then?
Good gifts are loved of Gods and men.

If you but lend a willing ear
To that I say, you need not fear