Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/277

Awhile, she doth but fan the fire
Of anxious unfulfilled desire,
The game of love, I scarce need say.
But winneth zest by short delay.
And little joy the heart doth reap
From pleasure it may win good cheap.
False fears But when she comes within the house
And finds reception amorous,15020
She then should vow, with signs of fear,
How that her jealous spouse anear
Hath watched her, and she dreads to think
What bitter draught she needs must drink,
So soon as she again doth come
Beneath his tyrant hand at home.
But howsoe’er she plain and sigh,
Whether she speak the truth or lie,
A parlous fear should she dissemble,
And, dreading nought, seem all atremble,15030
For this will much the joy enhance
Betwixt them of soft dalliance.

But if to him she cannot fare
Nor bid him to her home doth dare,
So close a watch her jealous spouse
Maintains both in and out the house,
To free her she must cause to wink
His wakeful eyes ’neath well-spiced drink,
And if he fail to nod ’neath wine,
Herbs should she with his drink combine,15040
Or mix with food (but in such wise
That nought of danger thence arise),
And then shall he so soundly sleep
As neither watch nor ward to keep,