Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/182

To bring him. What could my strength do
A fortress-wall to batter through
And draw him forth? My strength is gone
Since that I madly made me one
Of Love’s sworn servants. Idleness
It was, with shame I now confess,4400
That brought my life to this estate,
When she, at my request, the gate
Of this fair garden open threw;
Alas! that she no better knew
Than hearken my insane desire;
Such foolish asking should inspire
Nought but contemptuous scorn, and she
Should have reproved my idiocy—
A madman’s prayer should not be more
Considered than an apple core.4410
And mad was I, and therefore fell
Through her good-nature to the hell
I now endure of sighs and tears,
And doublings, miseries, and fears.

Why reject Reason? Right well hath Reason understood
My case; ah! why did I her good
And kind advice, then, cast away,
Love to forego? Woe worth the day!
With justice did her lips reprove
The hasty way in which to Love4420
I gave myself; ’twas thence, alas!
My misery grew: could aught surpass
My madness? Could I but forget
The vows my lips have sworn! and yet
What say I? Should I then betray
My master, Love, and cast away