Figures of beauteous birds enwrought
In golden tissue: quaint past thought
The slashings were with which ’twas slit
And puffed in every part of it
For fashion’s sake, and gaily decked
With jewels; nought of cost he recked.
About his shapely legs and feet
Were boots carved curiously. Oh sweet
The roses were that well bested,
For crown, his goodly golden head,860
Sir Mirth's sweetheart
There set by gentle hands of her
Who was his love and worshipper.
And would ye wot who this might be
Whose love enthralled him? soothfastly,
’Twas Gladness who so blithely sang.
When she but seven years knew, Love flang
His net around her, and I ween
Since then Mirth’s sweetheart had she been.
Then straightway did the pair enlace
Their hands, and heart to heart embrace,870
Joining in gladsome dance. Most fair
Did Gladness look as stood they there.
Like to a rose but newly blown
Which nought of wind or storm hath known.
So tender was her flesh, that torn
’Twould be by frailest sapful thorn.
Beneath her forehead, void of frown,
Were eyebrows arched, of sunny brown,
And smiles would wreathe her eyes before
Her mouth the rippling laughter bore,880
And ever and anon the bliss
Her lips invited of a kiss,[errata 1]
Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/63
THE ROMANCE OF THE ROSE.
29
