Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/92

As women are, for they likewise
Oft seek the beauty to despise
That God hath given them, and bedeck
With chains and chaplets head and neck9500
That His right hand hath wrought: despite
We do His wisdom when delight
We take to render yet more fair
His matchless work, as those who dare
Simple vesture enough Find fault with it. Away, I cry,
With all such vain frivolity,
I ask alone for raiment meet,
To shield from summer’s scorching heat
And winter’s frost. By God’s help sped,
Can I protect my limbs and head9510
Against rude tempest, wind and rain,
With cloth and woollen; nowise fain
Am I of outland squirrel fur,
Nor love the cost such things incur.
My wants supplied—I ask no more.

Too much, for you, I waste my store
Of deniers on fine robes of blue
Or scarlet, or fair tinting due
To outland dyes, or fine brunette,
With costly furs around beset,9520
Which you disport in public places,
With leering smiles and wanton graces,
Dragging the while your costly train
Through dust in drought, through mud, ’neath rain,
Giving small thanks to God or me.

And when you lie all nakedly