Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/94

The Rosebud still
My heart desired: that seemed t
o fill My being only; and the gain
Of that dear treasure all my pain
Had cased straightway, and given to me
New life, from grief and sorrow free.
For even to see it and inhale
Its fragrance made the bitter bale
Of life seem lighter, and though death
Drew near, I strove to catch its breath.1810
But even then beheld that Love
Another arrow raised above
My trembling body.
The shaft hight Simpleness Simpleness
This second shaft was called, nor less
Of might it hath than Beauty; oft
Have men and maidens felt its soft
But potent stroke. All suddenly
The God, without once warning me,
This golden arrow nocked and sped,
With mighty twang, against my head1820
Its cruel barb, which through the eye
Pierced to my soul; and verily
I fear no man of woman born
Can e’er from out my breast that thorn
Pull forth, for though one might release
The shaft, yet must the barb unpeace
For ever give to me, and lo!
Therewith desire began to grow
Fiercer within me than before
To win the rosebud; more and more1830
Increased it as the more I felt
Love’s second shaft, till seemed to melt