Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/54

The sole care of Idleness Sourmounted; in her gentle hand
She grasped a mirror, and a grand570
Quaint carven comb her tresses held,
While gloves of spotless white repelled
The sun, which fain would kiss her skin.
And lastly, she had ’tired her in
A costly coat of cloth of Ghent,
On which much labour had been spent
In broidering, while her sleeves around
With silken cords were laced and bound.
And when that she her raiment fair
Had donned, and ’tired her golden hair,580
The day for her was worn and done,
Nought else had she to think upon.
A joyful time, a pleasant May
Was hers, for care she drove away
And dreamed of nothing, night and morn,
But how her body to adorn.
When thus I saw the garden gate
Unlocked by this most delicate
And winsome dame, her goodlihead
Abashed me, and I gently said590
My thanks, and dared to ask her name.
And who she was, and whence she came.

With pleasant mien, in nowise high
Or haughty, made she quick reply:
“My dear companions well express
My name, who call me Idleness,
A rich and puissant woman I,
Passing the time right gleefully;
Nought else have I to think upon
Save what fair raiment I shall don,600