Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/177

With you, dear friend, it would assuage
The griefs that in my bosom rage
So fiercely, but no light I see4240
To lead me where I fain would be.
Help for the Lover Thus in the direst woe was I
Plunged, when behold, all suddenly
Dame Pity came from towards the tower,
Who many a heart in darkest hour
Consoleth; and at once began
To comfort me: “O sorrowing man,”
She said, “I come to cheer thy heart,
And bring kind friends to bear me part
In that good work. Simplicity,4250
Joined with Sweet-Looks and Loyalty
And Beauty, and Fair-Welcome eke,
Are ’scaped from forth the tower to seek
With me thy comfort. Though right high
The keep is built, no walls defy
True faithful hearts, although array
Of death and danger bar the way.
We watched, till weariness ’gan steep
The eyes of Jealousy in sleep,
And then sped forth although ’mid great
Alarm; for Fear, whose constant fate4260
It is to cry and tremble, ran
Hither and thither, and our plan
Well-nigh defeated, filled with doubt
If Evil-Tongue were not about
And listening. But the brave Strong-Love,
Who joys to serve his friends, above
All else, destroyed the envious door
Though Fear scarce dared to tread the floor.