Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/86

Beside the crystal fount he lay,
Gazing enrapt, the live-long day,
Enamoured of the shadow he
Saw in the fount so perfectly,
Until he sighed away his breath;
And lastly found thereby sweet death.
A warning to fair women Now hearken while the tale I tell.
How on his heart Love’s vengeance fell.
When plain it was that he nowise
Could gain that thing which in his eyes1560
Alone seemed good, and when he knew
How hopeless all his longing grew
Of sweet fulfilment, and that ne’er
Could he in that he longed for share
And have his joyance, then he lost
In wrath his reason, and the frost
Of death came o’er him. Thus was heard
The prayer of that sweet nymph whose word
Of love he rudely scorned. O fair
And gentle ladies, be ye ware1570
By this example that your ears
Ye shut not hardily, nor tears
Despise of those who seek your love,
Lest ye with vain remorse should prove,
How God doth punish those who leave
Kind swains to die, or vainly grieve.

Assured the fair inscription writ
Above the fountain pointed it
Most plainly for the self-same one
Whereby Narcisse had been foredone,1580
My impulse was towards speedy flight,
Without one glance within the bright