Almost I deemed me near my end,
For prompt Fair-Welcome was to lend
His help thereto, should not these three,
By sad mischance get sight of me.2990
The Lover nears the Rose
And now he bid me come anear
And touch the Rose-tree, scorning fear,
Whereon the Rose-bud grew, and seeing,
How longing therefor, sapped my being,
Stretched forth his hand, and plucked a leaf
From off the Rose-tree’s plenteous sheaf.
This leaf I set to deck my breast,
Deeming the gift a worthy test
That friendliwise Fair-Welcome stood
In my regard, and likelihood3000
I had of good success.
Then bold
I felt with hope assured, and told
Fair-Welcome how my heart above
All else was captive-led by Love.
“One thing alone, fair sir, can give
To me enjoyment while I live;
For in my heart is buried deep
A wound, whose pulses banish sleep.
Alas! what words can e’er describe
My case, whereat forbear to gibe3010
Or mock, for rather were I torn
In pieces, than provoke your scorn.”
Fair-Welcome.
“Speak forth,” quoth he, “your full desire
Nor fear you aught to raise mine ire
Through that you say, whate’er it be.”
