Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/32

Follow Love’s behests A loyal heart. I counsel you
Truly and faithfully to do
All his commandments; for the wight
Who in his service finds delight
Shall ne’er repent him, though distress
Be his through Fortune’s fickleness.7680

And would you serve him as you ought,
Then must unendingly your thought
Be given to him, and folly great
Were yours if you should prove ingrate.

Moreover, Love your heart doth hold
In leash, and you were overbold
Should you forsake him.
Lend quick ear
To friendly counselling; forbear,
At least some little while, to go
Anigh the tower, and let none know7690
Your presence, or by sight or sound,
If you should dare to tread that ground,
Before the storm has died away
Which round your head of late made play.
Have special care you are not seen,
More often than you erst have been,
Beneath the walls or near the gate;
And if you are by chance or fate
Led thither, let no creature wot
You heed one bit Fair-Welcome’s lot.7700
But should you spy him from afar,
At crenelet or window bar,
Regard his form with eye discreet,
Though your heart die his glance to meet.