Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/278

And she at leisure may fulfil,
Unlet or hindered, all her will.
If lackeys hath she, let her heed
That this and that one forth she speed
While coin, if wisely on them spent,
Will greatly help her fond intent.15050
Or if she fears lest they should know
Her secret, make them drunk also.
The bagnio Or to her husband may she say:
“I feel quite out of health to-day,
Some fever, gout, or inward grief,
Affecteth me past all belief;
Our baths are useless, I must hie
Me towards the bagnio presently;
A vapour bath alone can give
Me ease, if you would have me live.”15060
Though for a while the wretch delay
Consent, at last she gets her way;
For when he hath with sorry face
Pondered thereon, with wry grimace
He yields though of his shame afraid.
Then goes she with her chambermaid,
Or else some friendly neighbour, who
Knows well what ’tis her will to do,
Or some companion hath perchance
With whom she carries on love’s dance.15070
Then to the bagnio will she speed,
Though to the baths she gives small heed,
Or else perhaps the bathhouse shuns
And to her swain’s embraces runs.
Unless indeed between them ’twere
Agreed that they a bath should share,