Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/97

So long as I might rest anear
The rose, o’erpast was all my fear.
Healed were my wounds, what more could I
Desire, than thus to live and die?

Company and Fair-Seeming Some while remained I resting there,
When came the God of Love, (whose care
Alonely seemed my heart to rack)
As though his mind was to attack1900
Me once again. With fell intent,
His bright and beauteous bow he bent,
Driving an arrow ’neath my breast,
Which found my heart—its destined quest.
This arrow’s name was Company,
The which is known ’fore all to be
Potent in curing maid or dame
Of foolish coyness, pride, or shame.
It suddenly within me wrought
Renewed distress, and o’er me brought1910
Three swoons, and when from them I woke,
More barely my forlornness broke
Upon me, and all hope had fled
Of cure or bettering. Then I said:
More welcome death were, than to lead
A life so vile, where troubles breed
New troubles still, for Cupid now
Hath will to make of me, I trow,
A martyr; fain were I to flit
Me hence; but how to compass it?1920
Meanwhile the God against me aimed
Another arrow, which was named
Fair-Seeming. Dangerous it is.
Yet he who feels its force, ywis,