The Lover answers.
“Fair sir, with right goodwill,” I cried.
“I take your welcome word; beside
My power or speech it is to give
You worthy thanks, but while I live2930
Shall be your debtor.”
By his aid
I climbed the thorn-set hedge, and made
My way within the envious close
That circled round the longed-for Rose.
To seek one special bud I ran
Which seemed to me more fragrant than
The host of others, and with me
Fair-Welcome went, in company.
I need not ask you to believe
What rapture ’twas to thus achieve2940
The object of my one desire—
The Rose—which burnt my heart like fire,
And thanks, untold, Fair-Welcome gained,
Through whom I had this goal attained.
Danger lies hidden
But out, alas! unhappy I,
A villain wretch was hid hard by,
Danger to wit, the forge of woes
For all who dare approach the Rose.
Within a corner dim lurked he,
Concealed by grass and greenery,2950
Watching, with envious eye, whoso
Should venture near the Rose to go.
With this foul churl were other three,
Whose care it is love’s path should be
Beset with briars; vile Evil-Tongue,
And Shame and Fear: the best among
