Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/108

Cast off pride And into folly linked with sin
Man falls when once immersed therein;
For every man whose soul is stained
With pride is past all hope enchained
To actions, thoughts, and words that prove
Him alien to the House of Love,
Nor shall he know his heart to bend
In suchwise as to gain love’s end.2220
Let him who would in love succeed,
To courteous word wed noble deed;
For he who is in mode and mien
Gentle and affable, I ween,
Around him gathereth meed and praise,
While foolish vanity betrays
A man blunt-witted.
Thou shouldst wear
Rich habit as thy purse can bear,
Well formed aud fashioned; fair attire
Is oft good fuel for love’s fire.2230
Employ no tailor who doth cut
The cloth askew to wasting, but
One who hath skill to join each sleeve
And seam with neatness. Do not leave
Thy shoes half laced, but have them new
And sprucely made, fitting to true
And perfect measure, then wilt thou
See envious whisperers wondering how
Ye put them on and take them off,
But nought need fear their gibe or scoff;2240
Wear gloves well made; thy purse should be
Of satin, and, tied daintily
About thy waist, wear sash. If thou
For such gear hast not wealth enow,