Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/88

When that the sun, which searcheth all
the things that live on earth, lets fall
His rays within this fount we see
An hundred colours gorgeously
Shine forth within the water bright,
Vermilion, azure, silvery white,1620
And richest gold. Such virtuous power
These crystals have that every flower
And tree within this pleasaunce seen,
Reflection finds in their sweet sheen;
How this doth hap most clearly I
Will by example testify.
E’en as a mirror casteth back
Each thing that fronts it, nor doth lack
In working thus to give amain
The form and colour once again,1630
So every crystal facet here
Reflects each detail sharp and clear
Of all that in this garden lies:
For whosoever casts his eyes
Thereon, one-half the garden sees,
And if to turn, his fancy please,
The other half is then revealed.
Nor are the smallest objects sealed
Or darkly hid, but all appear
Pourtrayed^{[errata 1]} within those crystals clear.1640

Beware of the fate of Narcissus Mirrored within this perilous place,
Narcissus loved too well his face
And lustrous eyes, with foolish pride,
Thence came his fall, and thence he died.
Alas! for him who doth admire
Himself herein—for love’s desire

1. Correction: Pourtrayed should be amended to Portrayed: detail