Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/141

You counsel me, that I with bold,
Unbending will my heart withhold
From Love’s dominion. Dream you then
That Love permitteth it to men
To rule their hearts when he hath got
Them ’neath his foot? ’Fore Heaven, you wot
Thereof but little. Love hath so
Subdued me, that my heart doth know
Nought but his will. His golden key
Hath locked it fast unalteringly.3220
Cease then, I pray, you do but lose
Your time, and fair French words misuse,
Thus sermoning me, who, for my part,
Would sooner die than deem my heart
Despised of Love for falsity.
I little reck although I be
Or praised or blamed, but while I live,
To Love my heart will wholly give:
Forego your counselling I pray.”
Reason speaks in vain Then Reason ceased and turned away3230
Her face, convinced that words were vain
To loose my heart from Love’s strong rein.

Distress and wrath my being thrilled,
The while with tears mine eyes were filled,
To think how helpless there I stood.
But Love had counselled that I should
Seek out some comrade, unto whom
I might, when life seemed wrapped in gloom,
Confide my cares; therefrom I drew
Much comfort, deeming that I knew3240
A Friend, from whose advice my mind
Would grateful ease and solace find.