Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/269

Them pure in heart and courteous,
Upright, and good, and generous.
For never yet was man so bold
In field, but, if he chanced to hold
In heart some baseness, then would flee
Far from him fair Nobility.6950

True Nobility Nobility I greatly prize,
Because mean spirits in her eyes
Are hateful, and I meekly pray,
Dear father, that you cast away
All proud and villain thought, and reign
The good man’s prop, the bad man’s bane.
Make your dear heart the dwelling-place
Of gentle love and tender grace
For all poor folk; ’tis well a king
The portals of his heart should fling6960
Wide open. O my father, deign
To list my speech, you then shall gain
The people’s love; that lacking, poor
Is greatest king as rudest boor.’

O Phanie, precious words were these.
But never fool his folly sees
In other light than worthiest sense,
Wisdom he hears, but learns nought thence.

Thus Crœsus’ heart was obdurate,
And sternly scorned he to abate6970
His pride; if herein wise was he,
Or foolish, thou ere long shalt see.