Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/79

Laurels, lithe hazels, and dark pines.
Throughout the garden’s far confines.
And when the swaying dance was ended,
And, arms entwined, the partners wended
To seek soft couches ’neath the shade
That long lawn-kissing branches made,
Lord God! such jolly lives they led
As all must envy, by my head,1350
Who are not fools; for nought I ween
Is better than with one dear queen
To pass soft hours in tender love—
What more gives paradise above?

The Dreamer tracked by Love But straightway from the dance I went,
And o’er the lawn my footsteps bent
As fancy led, when suddenly
The God of Love, who followed me,
Signed to Sweet-Looks to bring his bow,
And shafts that ’longed thereto, and lo!1360
Without a word he claimed from him
The weapon fair, choosing the trim
And beauteous arrows from the ten
He held to serve his use, and then
Picked out the mighty God from thence
One of swift flight and great potence,
And, bow in hand, pursued me straight
Unseen; O God! how nearly fate
O’ertook me then.
But unaware
Of Love’s intent I wandered where1370
Green alleys led, the while that he,
Whereso I sped, still followed me.