XXXI
Herein 'tis told how Fear and Shame,
In deep concern, to Danger came.
Demanding wherefore spared he blows
’Gainst those who dared approach the Rose.
They approach Danger
This matter ’twixt them well agreed,
With nimble foot the twain proceed
Towards Danger.
Soon they found the boor,
Stretched out upon the greensward floor
Beneath a thorn; a heap of hay
Served him for pillow, as he lay3840
In dozing sleep.
Then Shame awoke
The slumbering clown, and chiding spoke:
Shame.
“How then! Is this a time for sleep?
A fool was he who bid you keep
The Rose, who little more avail
Than any shearling wether’s tail.
Slothful are you, and dull and base,
’Tis yours, vile, lazy hound, to chase
Intruders hence. With folly, you
Fair-Welcome gave permission to3850
Bring here his new-found friend, hence blame
Unjustly falls on us. For shame!
That you should sleep, while we incur
Rebuke, vile weak-kneed palterer.
