Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/67

Mind more than beauty Not beauty only in the form
Of her towards whom his heart-strings warm,8730
But will those virtues rather prize
Which live when outward beauty dies;
A mind enlightened with fair store
Of art and science, and the lore
That housewives need; for those who know
The worth of wit will count the show
Of outward beauty for a thing
Unstable, frail, and perishing
As flowerets that bedeck the lawn,
Faded at eve, though blown at dawn.8740
Fairer a woman’s face, alas!
More quickly doth her beauty pass.
But fine intelligence and wit
Maketh a woman helpmeet fit
For man in suchwise, that life’s end
Will find her still the cherished friend
Of him who loved her youth. A spouse
Courteous and gentle should arouse
A woman’s tender love, and she.
Mingling goodwill with courtesy,8750
Will see her love returned.
If one
Should ask if much I set upon
The power or worth of canzonettes,
Ballads, and songs, and rhymed motets,
A mistress’ heart to captivate,
I needs must say, dear friend, that prate
Is much less worth than gifts, but yet
Such things some grateful praise beget.
More lightly women’s hearts are thrilled
To see a good-sized purse well filled8760