Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/117

And doubt if thou in speech art able
To show thee skilled and affable.
Of three things that thou hadst to say
Two suddenly have passed away
From thy remembrance, t’other one
Thou’lt babble forth in shamefast tone;
For never man existed yet,
Who did not thuswise words forget,
Unless a lover false of heart
Were he, who did but act a part.2510
Lovers untrue are void of fear,
Ready of speech, and bright of cheer;
One thing they think, yet speak another,
With view their base designs to smother:
Vile and malignant traitors they,
Using fair words to lead astray.

Vexations and anxieties Whene’er this parleying is sped,
Although thou hast no word missaid,
Thou natheless wilt suspect that thou
Art lightly held, and puzzle how2520
Thou more can’st say, whereof shall come
Vexation sharp as martyrdom.
For every lover’s life is dight
With dire vexation in despite
Of noblest aim, and he must spend
His days in strife from end to end.
In vain he hopes for sweet increase
Of joy, his lot is dire unpeace.

E’en when upon thee night doth close,
Thou shalt but find exchange of woes2530
And vexings; supine on thy bed,
A cloud of torment round thine head