Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/269

For ’twixt the twain can never be
Treaty of peace and amity.14760

Example of the horse Or if a new-foaled colt you rear,
So that he ne’er beholds a mare
Till he becomes a full-grown steed
For bit and saddle good at need;
A jennet comes within his sight,
At once he neighs with proud delight,
And speedeth madly o’er the field,
Unless he needs to rein must yield.
Not only black steed seeks a black,
But brown, or grey as soon will back,14770
Or roan, or any other strain,
Unless he’s held by bridle-rein.
He troubles not to spy around,
But gaily takes them as they’re found,
And in succession serves them all,
If but the chance to him befall.
So with a little chestnut mare,
Unless she be restrained with care,
She’ll seek brown, grey, and black in turns
E’en as desire within her burns;14780
The first one that her fancy takes,
Husband of him she straightway makes.
And what of horse and mare, I say,
Whether black, brown, or roan, or grey,
Is likewise true of bull and cow,
And eke of ram and ewe, I trow,
For rest assured that each of these
Of either sex make free to please
And suit themselves, as e’en they may,
With spouse at will from day to day.14790