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THE ROMANCE OF THE ROSE.
65

The while the unguent, soft and suave,
To all my wounds sweet comfort gave.
At once it hurt and yet it healed.
Awaited new pains, yet old annealed.1960


XIV

Herein is told how Love amain
The Dreamer claims bis prisoner—fain
Is he to yield him at command,
As liegeman neath his master-hand.

Love claims his victim With bounding step the God of Love
Towards me ran, and stood above
My prostrate form, then gaily cried:
“Vassal! ’twere vain that thou denied
Thyself my prisoner, nought to fear
Hast thou, amend thy mournful cheer.1970
The readier thou to do ray will.
The quicker shall I be to fill
Thy heart with joyance. Mad wert thou
To fear him whom thou ought’st to know
For kindly friend; ’twere thine to seek
From him benevolence; all too weak
Art thou for contest. Learn of me
That pride and foolish vanity
Can serve thee nought. Thy will submit
To mine and thou shall joy in it.”1980

I answered; “ Sire, to you I give
Me wholly while ’tis mine to live:
’Fore God! no will have I to make
Rebellion ’gainst you; freely take