Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/44

Heed not scorn An honourable man doth ne’er
A woman leave to crave a share8040
In his affections; doth he wait
For that, his self-esteem’s too great.
But whosoe’er would fain attack
A damsel’s heart, although no lack
He finds at first of haughty scorn
(Which needs must patiently be borne),
If only he will wisely steer
His bark, the rocks and sands he’ll clear
At last.
From this advice a page
You well may take if you engage8050
With watch-dogs; but attempt them not
If they ill-humoured be or hot
With anger.
When they’re light of heart
Approach them, but if they should smart
’Neath grievance, keep away, unless
You choose to brave the bitterness
They feel if Jealousy perchance
Mistreat them to despite your chance.

But if you with consummate art
Can get these tiresome folk apart,8060
Safe from intrusion of all men,
Fair-Welcome might break prison then,
Where he, in suffering drear, for you,
Lies now, close kept as hawk in mew,
And aid you with Fair-Seeming’s power,
As well he knows to do; your hour
Will then be ripe to pluck the Rose.

And if rude Danger should oppose