His foot anear the Rose. Although
At first he maketh wondrous show
Of wrath, ’tis nought, I know him well
As know I A B C to spell.
Danger may be appeased
This Cerberus fierce may be appeased
With little pains; he’s lightly pleased
With soft caress and humble prayer:
Learn then the way that you should bear
Yourself towards him: first begin
By asking pardon for your sin,
Of his sweet love and gentleness.
And then with solemn oath express,
Right hand uplift, your purpose fixed,
That you will never more be mixed
In plot against him; nought allays
His wrath so soon as flattering praise.”
The Lover.
My friend so confidently spake,
As straightway in my soul to wake
New courage, and desire to try
Danger’s rude soul to pacify.
XXVI
The Lover loud to Danger cries
For mercy, and with flattery plies
His rugged soul, till thus he gains
The boon wherefor he spends his pains.
Toward Danger then once more I came
With timid step, affecting shame,
But ventured not to pass the bound
That hedged the precious Rose-tree round.
