Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/96

The shaft height Generosity Another bolt of beauty rare,
Gold wrought and winged with plumage fair:
Ah! well might I then fear my fate,
For scalded man doth water hate,
Though but lukewarm or cold it be.
Franchise or Generosity
This shaft was named; yet nought dismayed
Would be though arrows round me played,1870
And swords and stones were showered pell-mell.
One word alone my tongue could spell:
“Give me my rose.”
Almighty Love,
Whose influence reigneth far above
All else, to me such courage gave
As dared his worst assault to brave.
Wounded and weak I gained my feet
And staggered on, prepared to meet
The archer, towards that rose-grown brake,
But found strong spines and thistles make1880
A barrier none could pass. Ah! vain
All efforts proved the prize to gain.
Yet near the hedge I stood, and might
Freely enjoy the gladsome sight
Of those sweet roses hedged by thorns,
Nought recking or of pains or scorns
If only I might snuff the air
With fragrance laden, and the fair
Sweet rosebuds gaze on, free from let
Or hindrance.
Then did I forget1890
All pain and suffering, lost in joy
That nought could ’minish, nought destroy;