Perfumed the air, save that I feared.
To be estopped, whene’er I neared2900
The goal I sought, and fail to get
The prize whereon my soul was set.
XIX
Fair-Welcome here the Lover learneth
How that for which his spirit yearneth
May be attained, and courteously
Leads where he sorely longs to be.
Fair-Welcome appears
Beside the hedge awhile I stood,
With wavering heart, in dubious mood,
When towards me came, with gracious mien,
A youth whose aspect well I ween2910
Lord Momus had not dared to blame.
Quoth he: “Fair-Welcome is my name,
The son of kind-heart Courtesy.”
With graceful gest he showed to me
A path, and noting my surprise,
Thus spake he forth in friendly wise.
Fair-Welcome speaks.
“Fair sir, if ’tis your wish to find
How you perchance may come behind
The hedge, to taste the odour sweet
The roses breathe, you may your feet2920
By my assistance set therein,
Thy promise given, that nought of sin
Or folly moves thee. Willingly,
That understood, I promise thee,
To that fair rose-tree free access,
Of generous love and friendliness.”
