Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/98

Love’s balsam Blesseth the pain it brings. Its point
Is keen and pierces thew and joint
Like steel-wrought razor. But the head
With unguent is by Cupid spread
To dull the pain, for wills he not
The death of those whom he hath got1930
Within his toils, but betterment
Delights to give them; oft is sent
To all his lieges fragrant balm,
Wrought by his hands, their griefs to calm.
Lovers in him great comfort find;
Sores doth he heal and woundings bind.
This arrow Love against me drew,
Tearing my heart, but like a dew
Of sweet effect this unguent spread
Through all my frame, from heel to head,1940
My senses cleared, and gave me back
That strength whereof my limbs had lack.
And through that precious balsam death
Was cheated—Love renewed my breath.

Enough of strength I had to draw
The arrow forth, but like a claw
The barb held fast, so all the five
Fair shafts did Cupid thus contrive
To lodge within my frame, which ne’er
Can force remove or time outwear.1950
And though the ointment helped me much,
The pains I still endured were such,
That of my countenance the hue
Was altered, and right well I knew
That this last shaft both marred and made,
For anguish tipped its pointed blade;